Are we safeIJ This is the primary question that comes into the minds of every woman and girl in Delhi. Development is taking place all over the country. But from two-old girl to 88-year-old granny, no one is out of the clutches of rapists. Why this happensIJ
“Can’t we go out in nightIJ Even at daytime, we cannot walk alone safelyIJ”. “Whenever, I am outside, my mother calls me and asks me to come inside. A city like Delhi, where we can endure the beauty of city life, women can’t even step out after dusk”, said a college girl but unwilling to be identified.
The Pioneer spoke to working women and college going girls to get their views on the eve of the 5th death anniversary of Nirbhaya. Many of them said it is really tough for them to move around in the national capital, especially after evening.
“Night life in Delhi is supposed to quite exciting. It is indeed but at times it proves to be a great risk for girls and women as the crowd mentality has not changed in a cosmopolitan city like Delhi. I think nothing is safe. It’s your luck if you reach home safe, Neither metro or cabs are safe. The molestation can be happen in both,” said an exasperated Shanta who works in a busy market place.
Aditi, a student from Vivekanand Mahila College said that she has faced this. “There are times when guys try to touch you inappropriately in metro. Other modes of transport have the same problem as being safe in this city is tough ask,” she added.
Reetu M, a resident of Noida said, “Night travels in Delhi are one of the major concerns for women. Not once or twice but many a times, this has occurred to me either by encountering eve teasing, stalking with their vehicle while I am walking or passing distasteful comments.
There have been many solutions talked about and have been implemented on a short scale but a constant effort in changing one’s own thinking can only bring change,” she added.
“After thinking from each perspective of how women will be safe in this dark devil’s city, I personally believe that change will start from oneself. let yourself question stereotypes and parents should teach their sons to respect girls and women,” said Anju from Saket in South Delhi.
“I had to travel many times at night alone in Delhi. The insecurity and rape news all around the world always keeps to be on my toes and conscious of situations especially at night but I had kind of safe experience till now. I always prefer travelling by metro because there is a specialised compartment for women which is completely safe as far as I feel. As of now I haven’t experienced any unsafe situation during night travel and many people especially men seems to be helpful to women”, Anju added.
“In my opinion Metro is the best because you can always find a crowd there rather than travelling alone on road which you can never predict what happens next minute. And be always ready to save yourself so keep needed safety measures (Delhi Metro allow women to carry safety weapons)” said Haritha Sujathan, a city resident. “I am a nurse working in nearby hospital, sometimes I have to do night shifts but the fear always lurks whether I will be able to reach my home safely,” said Gipsy, a staff nurse from BlK hospital, Delhi.
“Now city is moving with the pace of fashion and technical aspects. Nobody is concerned about the safety and the life, especially for women, since they are the most harassed ones nowadays” said Jyoti Singh, a graphic designer by profession.
“I am a solo traveler and according to my personal experience, Delhi is vulnerable during nights for women”, Akshita.