The Simple Hand Signal Every Woman Should Know

I want to share something that more women need to know about. It is called the “help me” hand sign. It is silent, quick, and could save your life.

Who Created It And How It Started

The “help me” hand sign was created in 2020 by the Canadian Women’s Foundation during the height of lockdown. With so many people stuck at home in unsafe situations, they needed a way for someone to silently ask for help, even during a video call. The idea spread quickly on social media and has since saved lives.

How To Do It

1. Hold your hand up with your palm facing out

2. Tuck your thumb into your palm

3. Fold your fingers down over your thumb
   

It is simple and subtle enough to do without drawing attention from the person making you feel unsafe.

Things The Hand Sign Is For

• Asking for help without speaking

• Alerting someone during a video call

• Signaling to a stranger you need assistance

• Protecting yourself in situations where you are being watched

• Giving a quick, discreet warning in public
  

Times You Might Need It

• On a date that suddenly feels unsafe

• In a rideshare when the driver is making you uncomfortable

• At a party when you want to leave but feel trapped

• During a video call if someone dangerous is in the room

• While walking in public and someone is following you
  

Why It Is Important For Women To Know

Many of us have been in situations where speaking out could have made things worse. This hand sign is about taking back a small piece of control. It is a lifeline that works without words. For women, especially, it is another way to protect ourselves in a world that does not always listen the first time we speak.

Why You Should Share This

The more people who know this sign, the more likely it will work when someone truly needs it. Share it with your friends, family and coworkers. Even teaching one person could make the difference between someone being trapped or being rescued.

This little signal is proof that knowledge is power.

Sometimes our voice is not safe to use, but our hands can still speak.

Have you ever been in a moment where you wished you had a silent way to ask for help?

Share your story below, because your experience could be the thing that gives another woman the courage to protect herself.