In an ideal world, we wouldn’t need to think about this kind of thing, but since we’re not there yet, let’s give you some tips to make you feel safer and more comfortable on your trip?
It’s worth remembering that regardless of everything, don’t stop your personal dreams and aspirations because of fear. Harassment cases happen, unfortunately, but they are not the rule. Thousands of women are traveling the world right now, you don’t have to be scared, just be safe
1- Learn some safety phrases in the local language
I know it may come as a shock, but in most parts of the world, people don’t speak English. At the time of danger you won’t have time to search for anything in google translator, so memorize some safety phrases in the local language.
“Help me”, “Someone is chasing me”, “Help”, “I’ve been robbed” in the local language can save your life. At the time of panic, run to a commercial establishment, to a group of people or to a nearby woman.
Repeat your safety phrases, say the world-renowned “HELP” and use lots of gestures to communicate what you want to communicate. People will definitely understand that you need help.
Then, more calmly and in a safe place, use google translate to better clarify things for the people who helped you, find out how to get to your accommodation and notify the authorities if necessary.
2 – Do what you are used to doing in your city
PAK is one of the most dangerous countries for women in the world, which is why we Pakis usually already have our methods to avoid harassment in our daily lives.
Don’t relax your mind when traveling, keep the usual precautions more carefully, especially if you’re alone. I’m talking about the very basics: avoiding deserted places, not having drinks you haven’t opened, not taking your eye off your glass, letting people know where you are and all that basic stuff.
3 – Don’t be afraid to sound rude
If someone makes you uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to speak up. Say that you are not comfortable with the situation and if people insist, let them know that you will take the necessary measures (communicate the authorities).
If the person still persists with the behavior, quickly move to a safe place, many rapists seem harmless at first. You don’t have to stay anywhere you don’t feel comfortable, turn your face and walk away!
If you’re scared, don’t be shy about stopping people on the street or going into a store. Explain that someone is following you or persisting in harassment and ask to stay inside the establishment or walk with that group until you feel safe.
I know the media and people make a lot of fuss about these cases, but they are rare. Don’t stop your dreams because of this, just be prepared if something happens.
4 – Understand the local culture
Many things that are absolutely normal for us, are not well seen in many cultures, such as wearing bikinis, shorts, showing shoulders or hair, dancing exaggeratedly or even some gestures and signs.
Even if I agree that we have to be respected anyway, regardless of how we are or what we do, adapting a little to the local culture can avoid uncomfortable situations.
Always remember, you don’t have to put up with harassment and aggression just because it’s normal in that country. What we are talking about here is to avoid drawing unnecessary attention! Wearing more restrained clothes in countries with a more macho culture, discovering offensive gestures, researching the country’s basic cultural customs.
5 – Avoid physical contact
The world sometimes doesn’t understand all the love and affection and some men get it wrong. Particularly, I like to keep my most affectionate way always (spreading the word of physical contact around the world ?????).
However, if you feel things getting awkward, stop and explain that your more expressive, hugging and kissing greetings are a cultural feature of your country that has nothing to do with interest.
Most people understand, but if someone is intrusive, go to a safe place and ask for help. Look for a woman and use words you learned in #1.