Indian women open up on what they want to change about their cities

In many metropolitan cities, instances of molestation and eve-teasing seem to have become the norm of the day. There isn't even a single day when Indian women are not made to realize that they are mere objects who can be maltreated. This abysmal condition of some of the most advanced cities in India compels us to look for immediate solutions that can work in the long-run.

"Why Loiter" is one such initiative that aims at helping women overcome their fear of stepping out of our homes at odd hours. Started by Khushboo Mehta, a working professional based in Pune, Why Loiter organises monthly meetings in gardens and streets. The objective is to discuss on the various factors that restrict a woman's mobility after dark and solutions for the same are offered. The participants are encouraged to come along with their parents that can help them adopt a new mindset towards these issues.

Reclaiming public spaces is important if we want to see more and more women in the workforce. Shethepeople.Tv, interviewed some women from different metropolitan cities to know the one thing they want to change in their cities.

Asha Singh, a French student in Delhi, said,

"The transportation infrastructure of Delhi is not safe. I travel by bus frequently but the fact that there are hardly any cops for women's security bothers me. The government's decision to reserve seats for women in buses is a welcomed idea but ensuring their safety in those buses is another question altogether."

Bhawna Tripathi, working in a Delhi call center, faces problems while doing her night shift.

"I do not own a personal vehicle. The Metro doesn't run after midnight. With no separate transportation facilities, I have been left stranded multiple times. My parents are averse to the fact that I am out of the house late at night. But then how can I compromise on my financial independence? The city must do something about women like me who have night shifts. Cabs driven by women is a good option but then they should be willing to work at night and ferry us to places in NCR as well."

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"While Mumbai is relatively a safer city, I am scared of going to places that do not have adequate street lights. The fear of being groped in dark thwarts me from visiting a lot of places after evening. I will be glad if the authorities do something to illuminate the dark stretches of land in the city," said Abhidha, a photography student in Mumbai.

Rishika from Delhi has a problem with the scarce number of female cops in the city.

"I have come across many cases where women avoid filing an FIR against their stalkers because they fear that they will not be able to answer the male inspector's uncomfortable questions. While police authorities try to cooperate with the victim, they are totally clueless about how to interrogate the victims. They end up hurting the victim more than the stalker does. I think female cops can do a better job in tackling such cases with utmost sensitivity."

Indian cities are in a dire need of a revamp. Women's participation cannot be boosted without the government's intervention to provide them with physical and mental security.

Read also: Do Young Women Feel Safe In Cabs?

Charvi Is An Intern With SheThePeople.TV