This guest blog post is written by Parul with Jagori/Safe Delhi, in Delhi, India.
The first day of The Global Anti Street Harassment Week 2012 was marked by an extensive discussion on the gendering of public spaces. Students from the Department of Human Development [at Delhi University] shared their personal experiences of ‘Gender’ as an identity that impacts their choices and opportunities to live equally in the city. The students deliberated on gaps in service provisions, like public toilets or well lit parks to also talking about the role of larger society to create an enabling environment for all.
With the remark that safety is a woman’s right to the city, the students undertook a ‘class to class campaign’, sharing with other students the message against sexual
harassment on streets and also sharing some emergency helpline numbers for women.
Two days later, an open lawn discussion with girls from Lady Sri Ram College for Women on ‘Reclaiming of Public Spaces’ occurred. There was an interesting discussion on the factors that make a place safe and unsafe.
A street play by the students on homosexuality marked the beginning of the discussion. The girls then shared a poster on ‘Helpline numbers’ in Delhi with their fellow students.
Other activities occurring so far include a photography competition on the topic the “Right to a Safe and Inclusive City” as well as online activities.
beckie says
it is so exciting to read this and know women across the world are meeting up and addressing street harassment too! Yay Women of the world!!!