Why every woman needs to see this viral tweet

Hands up if you’ve ever been mansplained? Chances are, every woman reading this has her hand up right now.

To mansplain (verb.) is when a man explains something, typically to a woman, in a condescending or patronising tone.

Despite whether they know they're doing it or not, mansplaining belittles women. In light of recent sexual misconduct allegations splattering men all over Hollywood and in Parliament – it’s no wonder a tweet suggesting ways for women to respond to a mansplainer has gone viral.

The tweet by @vegby has been retweeted nearly 100,000 times and ‘liked’ over 250,000 times.

In it she says: “Good statements for women to practice:"

1) You interrupted me. I’m not finished talking

2) No

3) That isn’t funny

4) That isn’t appropriate

4) I already know that

5) That won’t be necessary

6) Leave me alone

7) You’re making me uncomfortable

8) Stop ignoring what I’m saying.”

Chrissy Teigen has even retweeted the tweet and agreed with the sentiment.

She said: “Aside from ‘no’, I honestly don't think I have ever uttered these other statements and I kind of cringe even thinking about saying them. That is not right. Good post good post."

Why do women stay quiet rather than make an uncomfortable situation for them also an uncomfortable situation for the man?

I’m not sure about you, but there are a number of times I have been mansplained to and wished I had said one of these things – instead I usually have a scowl or look of disbelief across my face that is never picked up on.

It’s easy to stay quiet in situations where men make you uncomfortable to remain ‘likeable’ or not to cause any fuss like many women are so conditioned to do. Some of the women speaking up against Harvey Weinstein had been silent for decades.

It’s not easy to override social conditioning but it feels like this wave of women speaking up against sexual misconduct has created a foundation of empowerment which we are all for.

Memorise these sayings, print them out and put them on your wall so they’re the first thing you see when you wake up and next time –because there will be a next time – don’t stay silent.