A MORNING WALK TURNED UGLY; MY ENCOUNTER WITH HARASSMENT

Good evening, Steem Mates. Tonight, I share with you a very ugly experience i encountered this morning.

This morning, I was strolling from Itam Park to Itam Market (those in Uyo, Nigeria might know where I am talking about). I just felt like walking; the distance wasn't that far, and I didn't want to spend 100 naira on transport.

So, this Keke driver stopped and asked where I was headed. I told him that I was going to Itam Market, and he quoted 200 naira. I offered 150, and he agreed. Honestly, 100 naira would've been enough if I had haggled, but I didn't have the energy this morning. Plus, I didn't even flag him down in the first place.

I sat in the front since someone was already in the back, and they seemed to be discussing some kind of special arrangement. Anyway, before we even took off, this Keke man touched me inappropriately. I was already tired of this thing with random people, so I got out and went back to walking.

This kind of thing happens all the time, not just in markets or on the road, but everywhere. I hadn't even reached home when another person touched my waist. Then I saw some men on Facebook saying I was shaking my behind. Like, how else am I supposed to walk? Should I just fly?

And when did I suddenly get a big bottom? I honestly don't have any. Someone else even asked me what I was doing and wearing. Another person said it's always the lady's fault.

When people speak out about harassment, we shouldn't treat the case as if it was their fault. How will someone just keep touching people without the people's permission?

I just got very irritated and trekked back home. My day was ruined with that incident. The fact that he was even laughing while I walked away irritated me the most.

I didn't wanted to make a scene because a lot of people could say it's normal. So, it was best I just walk away.

Maybe, owing a pepper spray might just be the end of such scenarios.