Dressing down and walking in groups is what most women resort to to stay safe in the capital. Yes, it’s a given fact that Delhi is not safe, proved further with 10 women raped and abducted this year according to reports by the Delhi Police. Women say that patrolling alone cannot safeguard women against eve-teasing, molestation or attempt of rape. It’s the crass attitude of men that needs to change.
HR consultant Charu Sharma points out places that are notoriously unsafe for women in the city. “Connaught Place, Jama Masjid, Gurgaon, Noida, I doubt any woman will even think of going to these places alone. Take a walk in CP one evening and you will know what I mean. You’d hardly spot a woman walking alone. Women office goers walk in groups and match fast paced steps on the busy road.”
It is highly unsafe for women to travel alone in the night, and dressing down is a safety precaution, feels Shikha Singh, professional. “I live in South Delhi and often use public transport to commute to office. Even though I feel relatively secure in this side of the city, I am all nerves when I go to the other side for work or personal reasons. I deliberately dress down, not wanting to draw attention to myself. Wearing long-sleeved salwar kameez and looking drab works for me.”
Agrees Ankita Kanojia, who works in the aviation sector, “I tone down my dressing while taking a public transport like Metro or auto, especially at night. It’s hard to demarcate areas which are safe. Be it South campus, North campus, Buddha Jayanti park area, Delhi Cantt or Chanakyapuri, I can name all the streets in Delhi which are not safe. From plush south Delhi streets to busy Karol Bagh market, it’s the lecherous look of the men on the streets that says it all.”
For student Tanvi Bhadani, commuting from Mayur Vihar to South Delhi is a tedious affair everyday. She shares, “I don’t prefer going to areas of Trilok Puri which is on the way to Mayur Vihar Phase 3. At times, when I don’t get the bus, I have to take the bus first to Trilok Puri and I feel very awkward with people staring shamelessly as if they have never seen a girl. I know this must be a common occurrence, but I feel helpless and don’t react to comments.”
Media professional Ruchika Kumar notes that men perceive women as easy targets, especially when they see her alone. “Men here think that a woman who is out alone after dark is a prostitute. They have to say or do something lewd in such a situation.”