Scores of women stormed the popular Yaba and Tejuosho markets, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, on Saturday, December 15, 2018, in protest against the sexual harassment and derogatory remarks from traders especially men in the market.
The women gathered under the name, Market March to protest the incessant touching, invasion of personal space, forceful pulling and insults given to visitors of the market by the traders.
The protesters became the cynosure of all eyes during the march carrying placards with various inscriptions written on them like ‘Not Your Color’, ‘You Sef No Sabi Greet Your Aunty’, ‘No Be By Force To Buy’ among others.
Meanwhile, during the peaceful protest march, some aggrieved traders allegedly threw sachet water on the protesters while also screaming derogatory slurs at them.
In a series of tweet via the handle Market March, the handlers of the protest shared updates about the march stressing that the event was a success where they made their stance known to members of the public.
Check out some of the tweets and the reactions to below.
#MarketMarchYaba was a BIG success. Big ups and huge thank yous to everyone who showed up. We had expectations, some were met, others were superseded. We stood firmly with one voice and it was clear. We have learnt a lot and can’t wait to do more with what we know. pic.twitter.com/IatmhRR2lH
— MarketMarch (@MarketMarch) December 15, 2018
They threw water at us, called us prostitutes, sluts…ashawo.. They said it was our fault that we got harassed. They claimed it was because of our clothing & asked us to stay home if we didn’t want to be harassed.
They tried to shame us because they were ashamed. #Success pic.twitter.com/o4b6meWXVB
— MarketMarch (@MarketMarch) December 15, 2018
Please do me a a big favour, Follow and support @Twitter handle called @MarketMarch
What are they doing?
They are campaigning against , harassment, objectification, groping, catcalling of women and girls in Nigerian markets.
They just had a successful protest #MarketMarchYaba https://t.co/pGqAzOx558— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) December 15, 2018
The thing is an example has to be made
Target just one trader, have digital and oral evidence,take him to court for attempted rape, hire SAN Lawyer pro bono
You wont win on rape but that trader will spend his capital on legal fees
Everyone else will behave #MarketMarchYaba
— The Republican (@9grrepublican) December 16, 2018
I stan this movement honestly. Going to the market especially Yaba and Lagos Island is always one horror one has to mentally prepare for. Do we have to hold sharp objects to patronize these primitive annoying individuals?
— Mama-nla (@bimbo_tysy) December 15, 2018
Market hiatus should be next
Young ladies and women remain their primary customers
Of course, consensus becomes harder with larger numbers but a publicised week without patronising them, in protest of harassment, could do a lot— Pharaoh (@Ipinnuoluwa_) December 15, 2018
