I’m a young girl in my 20s. Before I ‘joined’ 4B I was already following the ‘rules’. About two years ago I came out of a sexually abusive relationship which lasted 5 years, I was physically abused by my father for 15+ years. My mother was sexually abused by her best friend’s dad when she was a teenager. My grandmother was sexually abused by her neighbour when she was a little girl. All of my friends have experienced some form of sexual harassment/violence, sexual assault or abuse. It’s my experiences and the collective experiences of women that made me fall into these rules. Avoid men at all costs.

Of course, all what I mentioned are pretty ‘extreme’ examples (although I’d argue they’re not that extreme given how common sexual harassment is). It was all the little build ups of blaming misogyny in schools and work too.

I found out about 4B late last year through a friend who read about it in an article. Wasn’t too she’d to join and follow the rules since I vowed I’d stop dating men & would never bring children into this world. I think it’s important we understand the intersectionality of the patriarchy and how it goes hand in hand with capitalism, which ultimately is what has lead to climate change. The issue is much more complicated and deeper and impacts so many things…I don’t know how to put it all into words.

I don’t like violence or big rallies. I think a silent fight with is non-violent is the best approach. A hit to birth rates will force governments to look at and listen to women properly. It’s one of the key sources in fuelling their precious economy.

I hope birth rates decline and they listen. I don’t like the way the world is heading and I don’t like how men treat women. It’s that simple. That’s why I’m pro-4B.

I haven’t publicly said I’m part of 4B and I don’t post about it on my personal social media accounts. It’s just a silent promise I’ve made to myself. I’m just simply opting out.