Public spaces in Pakistan have largely been dominated by men – be it buses, dhabas, pedestrian bridges, or streets. Going out in the wild (yes, WILD is the word for such places, in some cases) isn’t an easy thing for women. A simple walk from college or workplace to home can be a dreadful experience.
Here are things that you can relate to if you’ve ever tried going out in a public space as a woman:
1. You cover each and every corner of your body to avoid unwanted eyes.
Chaadar mein chup jaungi tou dikhungi nahi.
![](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/hijab-1.gif)
2. You make sure that you look down on the ground the whole time you’re walking.
Make zero eye contact with anyone.
![](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/momina.gif)
3. You try and keep your pace fast to give yourself a head start if you need to run.
![public-space-walking-1](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/public-space-walking-1.gif)
4. You ignore every sight and sound that may be distracting.
![public-space-walking-2](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/public-space-walking-2.gif)
5. But still constantly scared of a man coming and groping you.
![public-space-walking-6](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/public-space-walking-6.gif)
6. There are people passing comments but you are not sure how to react to a cat call.
So mostly you just ignore and move forward.
![](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/giphy.gif)
7. You might even sometimes entertain the thought of somehow pulling out all the eyes that are dissecting you.
![](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/aDoPerkl_700wa_0.gif)
8. You feel so comfortable if a guy is accompanying you.
Phir chaahey who 14 saal ka bacha hi kyun na ho.
![public-space-walking-8](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/public-space-walking-8.gif)
Hate this so much. The 14 year old can protect the 34 year old somehow just because he has a penis.
9. You always have something in your hand so that you can use it as a weapon if needed.
A water bottle, keys, purse – anything would work.
![public-space-walking-3](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/public-space-walking-3.gif)
10. You wish an accident upon the bikers jo puri gardan morh ke dekhtey hain.
![public-space-walking-4](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/public-space-walking-4.gif)
11. You pray so hard that no car follows you because cars walay barray log hotay hain and the public usually remains silent at their actions.
Especially if you’re on a sunsaan sarak.
![public-space-walking-5](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/public-space-walking-5.gif)
12. If you are in a bus, you hope to find a seat as soon as possible because the men won’t stop brushing against you.
![public-space-walking-9](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/public-space-walking-9.gif)
13. You know if God forbid something wrong happens, you will be blamed for it and might not be “allowed” to go out anymore.
![public-space-walking-7](https://www.mangobaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/public-space-walking-7.gif)
Here’s hoping all our ghairatmand brothers in the world actually grow some ghairatmand balls to play with rather than playing with women’s bodies in public places.
Cover image via: Minimaza / dailymotion.com