Empowering Women: Sharing Stories of Resilience and Strength
For Emma Kay, her journey of empowerment began at the tender age of 12. Walking through a park to get to school, she started experiencing cat-calling, harassment, and being followed. “It was a pretty horrible route, but there was no other way for me to go,” she recalls. “This experience has stayed with me throughout my life, and sadly, I know I’m not alone in facing such challenges.”
Growing up as the daughter of a former Met police officer, safety was a frequent topic of conversation in Emma’s household. However, even with all the advice and precautions, she still had to navigate her life as a young person. “You can take all the right measures, but sometimes things will still happen,” Emma acknowledges. This realization led her to create WalkSafe, a free app designed to empower individuals to feel safer while navigating their daily lives.
The WalkSafe app has been rolled out in 35 towns and cities across the UK, with its most recent launch in Manchester. At an event held at Matt & Phred’s jazz club, Emma introduced the app’s features, including the ability to share journeys with others, send automatic alerts if a user doesn’t reach their destination, and access an interactive map to plot safe routes. What sets WalkSafe apart is its focus on connecting users with venues trained in night-time safety measures, such as Ask for Angela, as well as live support like street marshals and businesses offering safety facilities.
During the launch event, Emma emphasized the importance of personal safety as a fundamental human right. “We all deserve to navigate our lives daily, free from harm,” she stated. The app aims to provide users with real-time information on safe spaces where they can regroup and feel secure. This proactive approach to safety is especially crucial in a city like Manchester, where night-time safety has been a prevalent issue.
A council-commissioned survey earlier this year revealed that 75% of respondents had experienced some form of sexual harassment in Manchester’s city center. Incidents ranging from unwanted comments to physical assaults have highlighted the need for innovative solutions to address safety concerns. Greater Manchester Police have been actively working to combat predatory behavior, but resources are limited. Chief Supt David Meeney emphasized the importance of utilizing technology like WalkSafe to enhance community safety efforts.
The collaboration between WalkSafe, local police, and Manchester City Council underscores a collective approach to promoting women’s safety. The Women’s Night-time Safety Charter, launched by the council two years ago, has garnered support from over 350 businesses committed to creating safe environments for all individuals. By offering bystander intervention training and highlighting certified businesses on the WalkSafe app, the initiative aims to empower communities to intervene and prevent harassment effectively.
Deputy leader of the council, Joanna Midgely, highlighted the success of the safety charter in fostering a network of organizations dedicated to promoting women’s safety. “The city center is bustling, and if you’re new to it, you might need that extra guidance,” she noted. While the app primarily targets women and girls, its benefits extend to all individuals seeking a safe and enjoyable night out in Manchester.
Emma Kay’s vision for WalkSafe goes beyond providing safety features; it aims to alleviate the mental burden that women often face in assessing risks and ensuring their well-being. The app’s ‘follow me’ feature, designed for outdoor exercise, allows users to share their location with a loved one without a specific destination in mind. This feature was inspired by tragic incidents like the disappearances of Nicola Bulley and the murders of Ashling Murphy and Julia James, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures for women engaging in everyday activities.
As WalkSafe continues to expand its reach and impact, Emma remains committed to empowering individuals to feel safe and confident in their daily lives. The app’s availability on iOS and Android devices ensures accessibility for all users seeking a proactive approach to personal safety. Through technology and collaboration with local authorities, WalkSafe aims to create a safer and more inclusive community for everyone.