The Traders’ Reactions To #MarketMarchYaba Are Exactly Why We March

We already told you why every woman (and man)
should be part of the 2018 Market March. The
campaign is standing against sexual harassment in
our markets which has been normalised by society.
Often women who complain about being touched
and groped in markets are silenced and made to
feel like they’re overreacting.
#MarketMarchYaba kicked off with a peaceful
protest in Yaba market on the 15th of
December. These women, led by Damilola
Marcus, marched into Yaba market carrying
placards and wearing t-shirts with messages
against harassment and touching by traders.

One would think that the message was clear;

“don’t touch us”, but the reactions of the traders

themselves is exactly why this protest is

necessary. In the agelong way of Nigerian men

making our point for us by being scum, these

traders took offence at women asking to be

respected in their own personal space.

These tweets have reinforced the reason why

we need the market march. Several women who

took part in the peaceful march recounted their

experiences, and that has sparked a

conversation on market harassment.

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