Months of commemoration – such as Women’s Month – serve an important dual purpose. It reminds us of progress that has been made while at the same time reminding us of a great deal of work that still lies ahead.

“The month of August is a chance to celebrate the strides made in securing better levels of equality for women in all aspects of our daily lives. Yet, we cannot ignore the fact that the levels of violence that our women and girls endure is still at disturbingly high levels.

“Women’s Month should be a rallying cry for all of us to do more and to end all forms of violence and crime that target our women and daughters,” says Charnel Hattingh, head of communications and marketing at the Fidelity Services Group.

She offers these basic safety tips:

1. Be aware – Often, criminals and perpetrators are looking for someone they perceive as being distracted and therefor a ‘soft’ target. Be on the lookout for anyone or anything in your surroundings that seems suspicious.
2. Trust your sixth sense – Whatever name you use for it, women have an ability to detect if something is out of place. If anyone or anything makes you feel uneasy or unsafe, listen to that inner voice.
3. Avoid a hijacking – There are many companies and organisations that can teach you on how to drive and how to park your vehicle, to make it less susceptible to potential hijackings. It starts with locking your doors and being aware of people or cars and their movement around you, especially in any instance where you are stationary.
4. Tell a friend where you are going – By sharing your schedule with a trusted neighbour or friend, you have someone who will be on the lookout for your safe return. They can raise the alarm if you are late or failed to arrive for whatever reason. If you are using a taxi service or any kind of e-hailing service, share your location in real time with a friend so that they can track your movement and your safe arrival.
5. Speak to your security provider – Most security companies offer some form of mobile panic alarm button or even an ‘alert app’ that can be downloaded on your mobile phone. Technology makes it easy and very affordable to have a ‘guardian angel’ with you wherever you go. These companies can also offer valuable self defence training opportunities.

“Talk to your loved ones about these tips. By being actively involved and interested in the safety of our women and daughters, by sharing these tips, and by working with the brave men and women of our law enforcement and security partners, we can make a difference and make the world safer for our women.”