Introducing Women's Night Safety Training for Men
How men can be an ally
November 06, 2023
Public spaces remain a dangerous place for women in the UK, particularly at night. This is mainly due to the behaviour of men. Recently, members of the GoodGym community have designed training to highlight these issues and teach men how they can make people feel safe when out exercising. GoodGym is proud to announce the launch of Women's Night Safety Training for Men
According to a UN campaign, Safe Spaces Now, over 70% of women are sexually harassed in public places. The UN has also found that 97% of women in the UK aged 18-24 have been sexually harassed in some way.
Sadly, the numbers above speak for themselves. Most women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space and this impacts on their ability to enjoy outdoor spaces. GoodGym believes that being able to exercise at any time is an important human right; women must not be excluded. In order to achieve GoodGym's goal of creating happier, healthier and better connected communities we must all have access to safe exercise in public space.
Caroline, a GoodGymer from London, told us how fear stopped her exercising. She said “As a teen I only went out with my Dad running or in groups with my swim team or at school/university. When I moved home after university I didn't run again. I only started running through GoodGym due to the safety of the group runs. I only attended missions in the day as running to an unfamiliar location in the dark felt like a truly stupid thing to do..."
This problem is caused, in the vast majority, by men’s behaviour and it is therefore men who need to change. To support this GoodGym has developed training to enable men to become aware of the issue and address any behaviour that is part of the problem. It also includes advice on how to go beyond this and be an ally to women in situations when other men are not. The training was written in association with GoodGymers who have experienced this type of behaviour. It is completely free and takes around 15 minutes to complete. GoodGym is asking all men who attend GoodGym sessions to complete it.
I only attended missions in the day as running to an unfamiliar location in the dark felt like a truly stupid thing to do
To support the launch of the training, there will be special women only runs in London and Portsmouth. All female, female-identifying and non-binary GoodGymers are invited to come and run together to celebrate women without fear of harrassment or threatening behaviour.
GoodGym London run, Thursday 9th November: Sign up here
GoodGym Portsmouth run, Thursday 23rd November: Sign up here
