Sarah Everard’s death sparked a reckoning and women have been protesting that they should feel safer while on the streets.
On March 4, Sarah was reported missing after failing to return home the night before on the way home from visiting a friend.
A police officer has since been arrested and charged with Everard’s kidnap and murder after her body was discovered in woodland in Kent.
After Everard’s tragic death, some women have been recalling their own experiences of sexual harassment and have called on men to become more responsible for the way they act towards women.
With this, M&C Saatchi London created the Good Guy’s Guide in collaboration with Solace Women’s Aid and Token Man, which gives tips for men on how to make women feel safe.
“YOU ARE A GOOD GUY. But the woman walking alone on the street doesn’t know that,” the website reads. “So, we created a set of simple actions you can take to help her feel safer.”
“A lot needs to be done before women are safe on the streets,” it continued. “But you can do these things right now.”
The guide details seven ways in which men can do their part. The first is to not approach a woman because this interaction can be seen as intimidating, even if you are just asking for a light or directions.
Secondly, the guide says to not walk behind a woman as it can make them feel like they’re being followed, and the third is to cross the street to make it obvious that you’re not following them and gives a woman lots of room.
The fourth tip says avoid having your hood up and hands in pockets as making your face visible stops people from thinking you’re trying to hide something.
Number five is to not run too close to a woman and to shout ‘left’ or ‘right’ when running up behind her—it’s just a running etiquette really.
The sixth is to talk on your phone so she knows you’re doing your own thing, this also helps a woman hear where you are and helps them feel more in control.
Lastly, the guide says to educate their friends on these tips because ‘they are good guys too’ and presumably want to make the streets safer as well.