Voluntary organisations Bitiya and Sarokaar, are organising a programme titled ‘Claiming the night’ today on the eve of Father’s Day from 10 pm onwards outside Rainbow Treat near Shahpura lake.
The objective of the programme is to open up the boundaries of public life for women and provide them an opportunity to increased access to public spaces.
It is seen that women and daughters are dissuaded to go to public places after particular hours especially at night fearing security and safety concerns. In this way the society tries to restrict their right to personal freedom.
There will be performance by an all Girls’ Band called ‘Plus Minus is Equal to’ and a street play will be staged by volunteers of ‘Trikarshi’ organisation.
NGOs are calling all and particularly fathers who are requested to come along with their daughters and make this programme a meaningful event. The programme has been inspired by similar initiative of ‘JAGORI’ a Delhi based NGO.
NGO representatives said that they will insist on creating safe spaces for women in the city of Bhopal at night also, so that Bhopal is recognised as a ‘Safe capital’ in the country.
Emphasis will also be given to raise the issue of public facilities like public toilets for women at various locations frequented by women such as markets; mela grounds . They would take up these issues with the district administration.