Over the last semester, six young, bold, and inspired female students at Ryerson University teamed up to start a campaign, with the goal of raising awareness on issues of safety pertaining to club culture. This campaign is called “Bitches Over the Influence” and the students use various social media platforms as their dominant mode of communication in order to reach out to young females everywhere. It also provides “’big sisterly” advice to empower and educate the independent women of Canada. “Bitches Over the Influence” questions and redirects the flawed, systemically perpetuated ideologies that women are to blame for falling victim to unwarranted harassment or violence due to completely arbitrary things such as alcohol, clothing preferences, or dance moves. The campaign title problematizes the common victim-blaming excuse of “they were under the influence”. These six girls are OVER the influence.
The campaign wants to build an online community which offers guidance, loyalty and support to women who have shared experiences. It also follows local news updates to post daily cautions about what places to avoid or what recent crime has occurred in what areas. Sharing this knowledge allows women to take the necessary precautions in maintaining their safety and being mindful of the possible threats around them. Along with inspirational quotes and videos of significant feminist voices, the campaign delivers helpful reminders such as, “grab your friends! There is safety in numbers and going out in groups is more fun anyway!” and “if you think you might be in danger, find a public space with people around…Don’t be afraid to ask for help!”
In regards to using the controversial term “Bitches” in their campaign, the creators say, “it is definitely risky to use the term ‘bitch’ in this campaign. But we think this is a chance for women to reclaim the word and make it ours. When it is ours it is harder for someone to use it against us. For example, when you’re offered a drink and you reject it (for your safety), you may be called a ‘bitch’. Don’t let that get to you, it is your own responsibility to take these precautions and be aware of the dangers. So, own it, Bitches.”
The world can undeniably be a scary place at times, but there is nothing more powerful than women empowering, defending and protecting other women. With all of the horrifying and disgusting sexual harassment revelations coming to the forefront in the last few months, it is more crucial now than ever for women to stand together and use their voices and for strong men to join in and help push for reform. We all need to work together to forge a better, safer society and rewrite the rules of what is acceptable and normative behavior within club culture.
Make sure to check out “Bitches Over The Influence” on Facebook and Instagram to help show some love and spread an important message of awareness.