Being assertive is also addressing and dismantling the systems of oppression that create a need for women to “buy a pistol, take a personal safety course, purchase pepper spray, learn to kick people in the nuts”. Instead of expecting women to create a false sense of safety, I’m advocating for creating a world that is actually more safe for women. Participation in the civic process is an effective way to influence change, women do experience bullying as frequently as men, and equality is something that we have to work together to create. Acknowledging systemic issues isn’t weakness. It’s spreading awareness and taking ownership of the problems by addressing them.