It’s official, jaiye season has come upon us! Very soon all we will hear and see on social media are updates of your office parties or hang out with friends you haven’t seen in a while or with the IJGBs. While I’m all about enjoying this good life, remember that year-end can also be a dangerous season for women. I don’t mean this in the sense of Ember month/village-people kind of vibes o, just that this is a time horrible men take advantage of women at parties or on your way home. Plus, festive period makes dangerous people even more desperate, whether its thieves, robbers, kidnappers, or rapists. Anyway, because you can’t lock yourself indoors, here are a few precautions you can take to remain safe.
Don’t go out alone
This is not the time to go and see one of your university friends alone o. Always go out with one or two other close friends. Stay together or stay where your friends can easily spot you. If you are taking a cab home, all of you should go in one cab. Uber and Lyft drivers are guilty of attacking vulnerable women. There’s safety in numbers.
Be aware of your surroundings
There are some places you go that just gives bad vibes. Watch your surroundings, look at the people around. Do you feel comfortable? Is your instinct telling you something?
Watch your drinks
This is perhaps the most important one. Thousands of girls have been drugged because they took their eyes off their drinks for one second. Always watch your drinks. If possible, hold it as you talk and chat, that way you can always see the drinks. If you must go use the bathroom either finish it or please abandon it dear, get another one.
Drink responsibly
Have you ever been in a situation when a man is egging you to drink more? One more glass. Ah, you don’t have liver, drink this bottle Don’t fall for it. Know your limit. Being drunk is one of the easiest ways men take advantage of women. Also, among your friend group one person should stay sober all through. It’s important that one person remains clear headed.
Social media
Be careful what you post on your social media. Don’t give out your location. In fact, I’ll say it’s better to get home and then, post your pictures/videos than to post it while you are still out. There are stories of girls who were tracked down by their social media posts.
Finally, the world is dangerous all round but by taking some precautions you can keep yourself safe and enjoy the season