22/07/2026
Ten years on the international comedy circuit teaches you one thing: comedians don’t leave reviews. Comedy mentors are very discreet when warning women about certain gigs. Don’t do that one. Try this one instead. And you understand.
There are things nobody talks about. It’s a taboo. Whenever something becomes a taboo, I wonder: Who benefits from everyone staying silent?
Every women’s self-defence class says the same things: Create distance. Make noise. Run. Target vulnerable areas.The best self-defence is avoiding dangerous situations if you can.
But if you’re an international performer travelling alone, arriving at unfamiliar venues, dealing with promoters, hotels, backstage rooms and people who think being friendly on stage means you’re available off it…
It’s not always that simple. Listen when women warn you about a venue or a predatory person who'd prefer that noone talks. Trust your instincts. Leave early if something feels off. Pair up with other comics who will actually look out for you. And don’t drink at gigs.
You’re already surrounded by strangers, questionable decisions and people who think networking means standing too close to you. You don’t need alcohol making your survival skills go: management is currently unavailable.
In Serbia, women can also consider legal self-defence devices such as a taser/electric shock device, subject to applicable rules.
Because if someone ignores the word NO and puts their hands on you, they have volunteered to discover why women carry keys, sharp nails,rage and, where legally permitted, an electrical device capable of turning I told you to stop into a very memorable lesson.
Women don’t owe anyone access to their bodies.
Not because they were friendly.
Not because they were performing.
Not because they smiled.
Not because they came to your venue.
And definitely not because you bought them a drink.
NO is a complete sentence.
And if you don’t understand it, perhaps the problem isn’t that women need better self-defence or to cover up.
Perhaps better listening skills.
Here Ahmed, Gordie, Duffy & Branko demonstrate one such gadget. Check in which countries you are allowed it