How Saoirse Ronan’s response on The Grahan Norton Show reflected a gap in male understanding of female safety
During a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show, Paul Mescal laughed as he questioned if anyone, when attacked, would have time to grab their phone. Saoirse Ronan responded: “That’s what girls have to think about all the time. Am I right ladies?” Ronan’s response was both candid and poignant. Her comment prompted applause from the studio audience, and the clip went viral on social media. Her comment reflected the broader societal disconnect between women and men’s lack of awareness of violence against women. Her comment connects to broader conversations about women’s safety that have taken centre stage in recent years such as the #MeToo movement.
Societal attitudes towards women are shaped by deeply entrenched patriarchal norms. The US election serves as a harsh example of male attitudes. Since Trump’s election, there have been tweets and even children at schools saying, “Your body, my choice.” Twisting and distorting the feminist slogan “My body, my choice.” Trump’s election, and comments about women, including the infamous “grab them by the pussy” remark, not only normalises misogyny but contributes to the culture which views women’s bodies as objects to be controlled. This mindset fosters an attitude of entitlement and power over women, which is even influencing young children. Violence against women has been declared a ‘national emergency’ in England and Wales. The privilege of not needing to fear violence in public spaces is a privilege men often take for granted. The National Police Chiefs’ Council projected that a woman is killed by a man every 3 days in the UK.
Saoirse Ronan expressed gratitude for the support and understanding shown by those who resonated with her perspective. She shared that her intention was not to reprimand Paul Mescal or make light of his comment, but to foster awareness and empathy. Ronan commented that she was glad of this moment as it promoted more open conversations regarding female experiences and safety. She stated this is a conversation she has with male and female friends commonly. As Ronan highlighted, this is not an issue men have to think about but is on every woman’s mind. This has been stressed by events like the murder of Sarah Everard in 2021, which Ronan referenced on the TODAY Show when responding to the event, which prompted marches and outrage at the time of Everard’s murder.
Men’s awareness of these experiences is crucial for creating allyship, challenging stereotypes, and building a safer environment for women. Ronan’s interruption was a reminder of female realities —the ever-present calculations women must make to ensure their safety. In contrast, men find it harder to relate to and underestimate this threat, not necessarily out of a lack of empathy, but out of the privilege of not facing such risks. This is worsened by social norms and cultural representations which seldom address female safety beyond sensationalised crime dramas or news stories. Media representations of male violence against women too often focus on isolated incidents, concealing the broader societal problem.
According to the Guardian, in 2023, 851,000 women in England and Wales experienced stalking and 686,573 experienced sexual assault. Ronan’s interjection was not just personal but reflective of a much larger, systemic issue. For women, it is not just a walk home or a late-night outing, it is the meticulous planning of the safer, more lit routes, or the quicker steps on the quieter streets. It is the fear that you will not make it home safely, the clutching of your keys or calling a friend to ensure someone knows where you are or just the knowledge that our lives are inherently endangered by being women.
Saoirse Ronan’s intervention highlighted an uncomfortable truth about the gaps in male understanding of violence against women. Her comment illuminated the stark contrast between how men and women experience the world, and how men’s awareness of these differences is crucial in fostering empathy and societal change. The moment was not just a viral clip but a call to action.
Words by Maicey Navarro Griffiths
