In what can be considered as a show of shame, Yaba market traders were seen in multiple photos and videos harassing a group of women who protested against sexual harassment female customers experience at the market.
The protesters/campaigners were called various names as Olosho, Ashewo, lesbian and so on
One of the “Stop Touching Us” campaigners, Chi Amaka narrated their bad experience with the Yaba market traders, especially the male folks, during their campaign.
Read the story as narrated by Chi Amaka, a lady who shared the videos.
“An interesting day today guys. I was at the #MarketMarchYaba and just because we said “stop touching us”, they booed us, called us prostitutes, lesbians and jobless people. They also threw pure water at us, one landed right on my chest. A guy even touched me TWICE!!!
Nothing to see here at all, just being called ashawo . I love it when men try to prove they are not trash by you know being TRASH. #MarketMarchYaba
I forgot this part. “How dare you say no to harassment? Holy Ghooooost fire”
They said a lot of things I’ve seen here from “educated men”.
If you don’t want us touch you dress well.
Who are you that we shouldn’t touch you.
If you don’t want us to touch you don’t come here.
You should be fighting for more important things (this made me laugh)..
You go marry yourself?
You sef don’t touch us (street whataboutism)
You no dey Bleep?
I get your type for house
You no even fine.
#MarketMarchYaba
“Ashawo, they no dey work”
Another “Stop Touching Us” campaigner, Moromoke @mo_romoke recounts their ordeal too.
She wrote:
“#MarketMarchYaba was a success! The reaction was unexpected for me. Like the Yaba boys threw water and stones at us, it was as if we unleashed the beast in them and today I saw the physical demonstration of mysogyny, they got aggressive and resorted to physical abuse.”
Another campaigner, Lisa @LisaOnyimonyi said:
” And what we’ve learned today from this march is:
1. Those men feel entitled to touch a woman.
2. They won’t take responsibility for their actions.
3. They hate women. Clearly.
4. They’re angry women are finally speaking up against the harassment.
#MarketMarchYaba”
