Actress Saoirse Ronan’s remarks on The Graham Norton Show regarding the safety concerns women face have sparked significant dialogue about the issue. When male actors jokingly questioned whether anyone might think of using their phones as a weapon, Ronan’s response resonated with many, highlighting a gap in understanding about women’s everyday safety concerns.

This exchange prompted BBC Radio 4’s Today programme host Nick Robinson to engage his daughter Alice, a teacher in her late twenties, in a discussion about her feelings of safety. Alice noted that Ronan’s comments reflected a long-standing issue that many women experience but feel goes unnoticed by men. She acknowledged that while it was not meant to be derogatory, men often lack awareness because they do not face these dangers daily.

Alice shared her perspective on feeling unsafe in public spaces. She recalled how, after the murder of Sarah Everard, conversations about safety became more prevalent among her friends and family. She described the discomfort of being stared at by men on the street, noting that this behavior often goes unacknowledged by those who do not engage in it.

Women from various age groups constantly strategize ways to protect themselves. Alice mentioned that her mother and her partner’s mother also discuss safety measures frequently. Strategies vary, and Alice expressed the exhaustion that comes from determining which approach is most suitable for different situations.

For instance, she recounted an uneasy experience on a bus when a man chose to sit next to her despite many available seats. This raised immediate concerns for her safety, forcing her to weigh two options: leaving the bus immediately or remaining seated until her stop while feeling vulnerable.

She ultimately decided to exit early after taking precautions like closing Google Maps to maintain privacy about her destination. This incident highlighted the constant calculations women must make regarding their safety in everyday scenarios.

Alice also discussed common tactics women use for protection, such as holding keys between their fingers or pretending to be on the phone to deter unwanted attention. She explained how wearing headphones can serve dual purposes: blocking out noise while also potentially attracting less harassment.

The conversation between Nick and Alice illuminated the stark differences in how men and women perceive safety, emphasizing that while men may occasionally consider their own security, it is not nearly as frequent or intense as it is for women. The dialogue underscored the importance of listening and learning about these experiences to foster understanding and change.