women and children first

The phrase "women and children first" is an expression traditionally used during situations of emergency or danger, such as evacuations from sinking ships or in war zones. It represents a principle or code of conduct suggesting that in the face of peril, women and children should be given priority to receive assistance, safety, or rescue before men. This practice is based on the belief that individuals who are physically weaker or more vulnerable should be protected first, acknowledging women's and children's general physical disadvantage in such situations.