A few years ago, I went for a run in my local suburb in broad daylight.

By the end of it, I was hiding in bushes while a man drove around the park looking for me.

He’d passed me once.

Then again.

Then again.

Eventually, I realised he was following me.

I changed streets. Cut through parks. Tried to go anywhere his car couldn’t easily reach.

He kept finding me.

I remember trying to call my husband, but my hands were shaking so badly I couldn’t unlock my phone.

I also couldn’t remember my password.

I couldn’t think properly.

I just kept thinking: I need something.

Something I could reach for immediately.

Something that didn’t rely on me being calm enough to unlock my phone.

Something that could draw attention fast.

And afterwards, I did what so many women do.

I questioned myself.

Was I overreacting?

Was I imagining it?

Was it really that serious?

I didn’t even report it.

That experience stayed with me.

And eventually, it became SAYF.

SAYF exists for the woman running before sunrise.

Training alone after work.

Walking back to her car in the dark.

Travelling somewhere new.

Doing the things she loves, even when nobody else is coming with her.

Because I am a strong believer that women shouldn’t have to make their lives smaller just to stay safe.

We shouldn’t have to stop running at certain times, stop exploring, change the route or wait for someone else to come with us.

SAYF is about giving you something practical to carry while you get on with living your life.

You deserve to do the things you love.

And to get home safely to the people who love you.

-xxx-

Celeste
Founder, SAYF