Kenyan content creator Naomi Kuria has spoken of the anxiety she feels when she meets men on secluded trails. She was cycling at Karura Forest in Nairobi, when she recorded the video.
In a video posted on Instagram, Kuria said she feels uneasy when she meets men on forest trails, especially where few other people are around.
“ I'm on constant anxiety..” she said.
Her account has drawn attention to the unease some women feel when they are alone in outdoor spaces, even during everyday activities such as cycling.
Uneasy on the forest trails
Kuria filmed herself as she cycled through Karura Forest, explaining how she reacts whenever she meets men along the way.
“Hi guys, hebu tell me...ama ni mimi peke yangu... Right now I’m outside in Karura Forest. I’m riding a bike, but every time I encounter a man in the trails…I am freaking out..” she said.
Her comments reflected the anxiety she feels in those situations, and how meeting strangers in secluded places can leave a person on edge.
Why isolation unsettles some women
Quiet trails can feel uncertain because help may be far away if something goes wrong. Some people become more watchful as a result when they are exercising or relaxing alone outdoors.
Encountering a man does not mean someone is in danger. Kuria’s account, however, shows how personal experiences and perceptions can affect a person’s sense of safety.
Her remarks add to a wider discussion about women’s comfort in outdoor spaces.
Cycling and walking remain popular ways to keep fit and enjoy nature. Feeling safe is still an important factor in deciding where and when to do them.
Personal safety in focus
Kuria’s account has drawn attention to how it can feel to spend time alone in public places, particularly on secluded trails.
People’s experiences of the outdoors differ, depending on their feelings, previous encounters and the situation they are in.
Her comments have also prompted a call for respectful discussion of how people experience shared public spaces, and for a better understanding of women’s concerns about their safety.
