"Try walking in my shoes...you'll stumble in my footsteps." #YesAllWomen and Why it is Important

I started writing this post last night, but I totally passed out. 
It was a long day full of joy for my little sister Jasmin, who graduated high school today. In society nowadays, it's pretty common for women to further their education and achieve high honors. With that said, I am happy she is finally a QO alumni and I am super excited for her to start her journey at Towson University this upcoming fall. 
But yet...I still worry.
Not about her as a person or her life decisions...but the fact that she will be in an environment which will leave her more vulnerable to the dangers of the world. Am I just a paranoid protective older sister, or someone who knows what it is like to experience misogyny firsthand?
I'm sure everyone has heard by now of the recent Elliot Rodger shooting and who his message was directed to: women who didn't "give him a chance". 
Because he was a nice guy. Because he was a gentleman. Because he hadn't had anyone kiss or have sex with him. Because his need for love and affection was rejected by every female he encountered. 
In his retribution video the day before the shooting, he vented his experiences of loneliness and ultimately decided that he would go to the "hottest sorority house in Santa Barbara" and essentially take his revenge upon them. 
This has got to be one of the most appalling displays of sexism I have ever seen.
In the light of all the events last Friday, a new Twitter hashtag "#YesAllWomen" has become a huge trend and keeps gaining momentum with every passing hour. Each woman would tweet an example of sexism in society, or in their own personal lives, to stand up to the misogyny and show that our generation still does not grasp the concept that women are constantly criticized, harassed and objectified by men.
Like all other women, I am no stranger to this topic:
Getting called a "hooker" for putting on a little too much makeup in middle school. Being catcalled during runs and even followed to a point I had to change my route entirely. Having to always "watch my back" at night in fear of being attacked on my way home. Pushing away hands from me and my body while dancing at clubs or bars. Being told that "boys will be boys" and being obligated to keep shirts on when running. Getting requests for "pictures". Having to say "I have a boyfriend" instead of "no" because they won't stop trying unless you are another man's "domain". Having my butt grabbed by a random stranger because of what I am wearing. Being called a slut for the number of dates I went on when I was single. Having to block multiple people online who do not know me but want to "meet up because ur sexy". Being called a tease for simply not being interested. Being harassed post-breakup and threatened to be subject to embarrassment, ridicule and revenge.
There is a reason I am afraid to post about where I go. There is a reason I walk fast at night. There is a reason I carry my key as a potential self-defense weapon whenever I walk to my car. There is a reason that car also has mace. There is a reason gas stations creep me out at night. There is a reason I wear spandex under my skirts.
There is always a reason I do what I do because of self-protection.
Of course, I am lucky I have not gone through what other women I know have. And while I understand that not all men rape or commit sexual assault, all women I know have been through some sort of harassment. Read all the #YesAllWomen tweets on Twitter to see some of the sad truths told by other brave women.
I invite you to shed light on this topic, even if you disagree with what I am saying. I am not attacking all males with this post, I am simply trying to help you understand why it is important to address the issue that in today's world, women are being objectified and not respected as much as the average male. 
If you walk a mile in my shoes, you'd understand why I worry for the safety of my sister as she takes this next step to college. I only want her to be respected by who she is, not blamed for the way she looks.