We also received reports of young women who were trafficked, and forced into drugs and prostitution.
We saw women across the country uniting on social media behind the hashtag #menaretrash.
These events proved that women are targets no matter where they are – be it at home, on the streets, at church or even in the workplace.
We are violated by our own brothers, uncles, fathers, bosses and teachers who we at times expect to protect us and make us feel safe in their presence.
You know, while growing up, I used to hear the elders in the family warning us girls to dress in a certain way, with no revealing clothes or mini-skirts; not to walk alone at night or laugh out loud – because this might send the wrong message to men.
We are now living in fear; we lock ourselves indoors and when we are in public we constantly look over our shoulders for signs of danger.
One woman even suggested we carry pepper spray and whistles to defend ourselves in case we are in danger.
These events have proved there is nowhere women can go to avoid becoming victims.
Last week while driving home late from work I saw a questionable number of young girls who looked as young as 14 to 16 years old, who were lined up along Third Street from the Springs Hotel.
They were wearing skimpy dresses and waving at the oncoming traffic to attract attention and it hit me they were prostitutes.
It worried me because, here we are, worried about the safety of women – and these girls are putting their lives at risk.
I wondered how many of the girls had consented or volunteered to become prostitutes, because we have been receiving news of girls who have gone missing across the country.
This issue troubled me until I received news from one of my police sources that a group of girls were rescued after being trafficked and forced into prostitution and taking drugs.
Still, it saddened me, because I am a sister and aunt to girl children and fear they might also fall prey to this dubious trade.
Someone said behind the hashtag #menaretrash are angry women.
Do we blame them, though? Are we still expected to smile and be jolly when we fear we may be the next target?
I am happy we got to talk openly talk about our fears as women, and the law enforcement agencies are on high alert and rescued the girls from the monsters.
Ladies, let us keep safe and always be vigilant; we are not truly free in the democratic country we were promised in 1994.
