Why Delhi's Initiative To Develop "Pink Model Parks" For Women Is A Laudable Move

Delhi’s Municipal Corporation is planning to develop several women-only parks across the city, aiming to provide a safe and comfortable space for women. The "Pink Model Parks" will be developed in each of the 250 municipal wards of the civic body.

The parks will be equipped with CCTV cameras, open gym equipment, toilets, graffiti, and selfie points. It’ll also feature additional security measures and a children’s play area. A senior official of the horticulture department said that while the matter was taken up at a review meeting last month, deputy mayor Aaley Mohammad Iqbal came up with the suggestion of developing "Pink Model Parks."

Delhi To Develop Pink Model Park

The deputy mayor said that the civic body manages over 15,000 parks, and many parks have open gym equipment and other facilities, but they’ve noticed that women feel hesitant to use them, so a women-only park will provide a safe and comfortable space for them. He also added that children under the age of 10 will be allowed in the park.

The first "Pink Model Park" was opened on Mata Sundari Road near Ramlila Ground in March of last year. It cost about Rs. 25 lakh. With male security guarding the entrance, the park only has women employees for its maintenance. It’s not yet decided if the upcoming Pink model parks will also feature a similar set-up, as the plan is still in its early stages.

Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) revealed that there was a 15% rise in the rate of crimes registered in the national capital. 14,277 cases of crimes against women were reported in 2021. Even after a horrific crime like Nirbhaya happened in Delhi in 2012, the city isn’t really safe for women. Violence against them is still an alarming issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Given the ghastly crimes that happen against women, it's no wonder women feel uncomfortable using the various features, such as gym equipment, provided in parks. Coming across gory crimes in the media every day innately makes women feel unsafe, even if they get the slightest hint that something is off around them. So, the initiative to develop a series of women-only parks with solid features like CCTV cameras and strong security guards will make women feel a sense of comfort and safety.

Parks are public spots that women often visit. In fact, it could probably be one of the most visited places for mothers with young children. Children would expect their mothers to play with them just like they do at home, and in a gender-neutral park, women would be hesitant to move around comfortably because literally anyone can come in, watch you, harass you, and there’s no solid security. A lot of women would want to work out but wouldn’t be able to find the time or might not be able to afford to go to a gym. So, having a place to workout while watching the kids play safely right in front of their eyes would be a blessing for women.

Incidents like that of a young woman being abducted from a park in Bengaluru and gang-raped by four men in a moving car only multiply the fear in women. It makes them question if there is any place where they are really safe. Considering all that, the initiative to develop a women-only park is laudable. This is one of the best initiatives if it is implemented and monitored perfectly. What would be better for mothers than having their kids play in front of their eyes while they socialised, worked out, or had some me-time without any pervy eyes oogling at them?

Suggested Reading: South Korea Removes Women-Only Parking Spaces

Views expressed by the author are their own. Image Credits: Hindustan Times