In Africa, many countries are rising and asking for what they want. From the Nigerian, #EndSars protest, to Congo’s #CongoIsBleeding protest, and Namibia’s #ShutItAllDown protest. If you do not know about what these countries are fighting for, you can educate yourself by researching the hashtags.
This post is not to educate you on what the ongoing protests in Africa are about, but to tell you the dos and don’ts of what to wear for a protest. This article is super valuable because you are going to be doing long walks, and you need to be comfortable. Moreover, protesters may come in for a peaceful protest but the opposing party has other plans. Protest especially in Africa is not for the weak, get ready for anything. From tear gas to shooting, and basically getting killed. In times like this, you have to wear what is appropriate enough in case you may need to run for your dear life.
What this article would do is inform you about safety and stylish options when choosing clothing for a protest. Let’s begin.
- Wear Fitted Clothing:
Wearing Fitted clothing during protests is essential for safety. Forget about being stylishly and focus on having a smart style. Avoid trains, or long disturbing gowns or kaftan. Sometimes things go left and you need to run. Imagine someone steps on your cloth and there is a stampede? The best thing is to wear athletic wear or athleisure wear. You can make it stylish, but don’t forget the main aim of you going out to protest, don’t focus all on style. Wearing materials like denim and other tough but stretchy fabric would help you find comfort and also aid you when fall.
2) Protect yourself with Accessories:
We are still in the area of COVID-19 so wearing a mask is important. Not just for COVID-19 but sometimes biological weapons are used and you need to protect yourself and what you inhale. Sunshades are important to shade you from the sun, and also from weapons like tear gas or pepper spray. Stay away from Jewelry. For the most part, jewelry is unnecessary. So stay away from any bulky accessory as much as possible.
3) Comfortable Footwear To Protest
Sneakers are the best option when it comes to footwear. Don’t wear shoes that you would have to force your foot into, or shoes that are too loose it would slip. Tie your shoelaces well, if possible go with shoes that don’t require laces. Your shoes should be the comfortable size. Wearing flip flops and slippers may be comfortable but when you are running out of fear, it would come off, and you’d be left barefooted, which is dangerous.
4) Hands-Free Bag:
You need a hands free bag, it could be a fanny pack, but most preferably use a comfortable backpack. In that bag, you should put your phone for communication, or documenting moments that could serve as evidence or could be used to appeal. Water for dehydration and to wash your face in cases of tear gas or pepper spray emergency. Food like energy bars just to keep your energy up. Anything to keep your energy up. Drugs and inhalers depending on your health condition. Towels, and a handkerchief for wiping off sweat is important. Carry Sunscreen, and anything you think is appropriate and necessary to carry. Don’t overload your backpack and weigh your shoulder, you could get tired easily or even faint.
Hopefully, this article has given you dos and don’ts of your protest starter pack when it comes to clothing and accessories.
Related Posts: Africa in the news: Upcoming election in Guinea, debt suspension extension, and protests in Nigeria and Namibia
Related Posts: The #EndSars Protest And It’s Positive Change
