Puducherry: Men and woman gathered on Saturday evening in Puducherry to say “I Will Go Out”, a loud and clear call to reclaim safe public spaces for women.
#IWillGoOut, a movement started by a group of people in response to molestation and sexual assault on women on New Year’s Eve in Bengaluru has grown into a national campaign. Citizens gathered in 30 cities as part of the campaign. The Puducherry chapter of the initiative organised a walk on the beach road on Saturday.
“Around 200 women and men from Puducherry showed our solidarity with fellow citizens marching in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Thrissur and Lucknow to ensure all women, irrespective of caste, religion, community and economic status are able to move freely without fear of molestation or discrimination,” said one of the organisers.
“It is about fighting for women’s rights, and creating safe spaces and a violence-free world for them - both inside and outside their homes,” said R. Dona, organiser of the Puducherry chapter.
“Pondicherry is a tourist hub and comparatively a safer place. But that is not enough. Safe public toilets and transport must become a reality. Apart from increased police patrolling, it is important that police are sensitised in handling cases of street violence against women, without resorting to victim shaming and blaming. CCTV cameras should be installed in important public spots,” she said.
Apart from a self-defense session by Nahid , an impromptu group dance led by Latin cultural dance instructor Kash Timmers, a song rendition by music student and vocalist Ammachi and a wall graffiti outside LAL boutique on Rue Bazaar St Laurent by artist Shunnal Ligade were also arranged as part of the event. “We will not stop here. We will arrange different events until a safe public space for woman becomes reality,” one of the organisers said.
