Ms. Kalpana Viswanath - International Centre for the Prevention of ...

8e Colloque annuel du CIPC, Querétaro, MexiqueICPC’s Eighth Annual Colloquium, Querétaro, MexicoEl 8o Coloquio Anual del CIPC, Querétaro, MéxicoMme Kalpana ViswanathSecrétaire du comité exécutif, Jagori, IndeProjet JAGORIMs. Kalpana ViswanathSecretary of the Executive Committee, JAGORI, IndiaProject JAGORIKalpana Viswanath is researcher working on issues of women's safety. Sheholds a PhD in Sociology and has headed JAGORI, a women's resource centerin Delhi for several years till 2007. She has been involved in issues andcampaigns on violence against women for over 15 years. She has researchedand written on issues related to women's rights, women and migration,women workers and women's safety. She is currently the Project Director,Gender Inclusive Cities Project with Women in Cities International.Sra. Kalpana ViswanathSecretaria del Comité ejecutivo, JAGORI, IndiaProyecto JAGORI

8e Colloque annuel du CIPC, Querétaro, MexiqueICPC’s Eighth Annual Colloquium, Querétaro, MexicoEl 8o Coloquio Anual del CIPC, Querétaro, MéxicoSafe Delhi CampaignWomen’s Safety in Public Spaces in DelhiKalpana ViswanathIntroductionIn this paper we examine the nature of gender usage and gendered violencein public spaces in the city of Delhi. We locate our work within the debates onthe nature of violence against women and debates on the nature ofcontemporary urban spaces. We argue that cities are a particular form ofsocial life which allow for and encourage different understandings and usagesof public spaces which are deeply gendered, both in access and right to publicspace.Delhi has the dubious distinction of being one of most unsafe cities in theworld for women. Statistics show that women in Delhi are face more violencethan in any other city in this country. Delhi tops the list on all crimes againstwomen including molestation, rape, dowry harassment, domestic violence.According to the 2005 National Crime Records Bureau statistics, one third ofall reported rapes in mega cities took place in Delhi. 1 Similarly, 23% of allreported molestation in mega cities took place in Delhi.In an effort to address the issues of lack of safety for women, JAGORIlaunched a campaign to bring into public focus the issue of women’s safety.The campaign aims are to highlight public safety for women as a seriousissue and to link increasing unsafety to dominant models of urbanisation andthe culture of the city. The Safe Delhi Campaign has a multi-prongedapproach which includes research, public outreach, strategic partnershipsand communication initiatives among others. As a first step to understandthe extent and contours of the issue, Safety Audits were conducted indifferent parts of the city. These Safety Audits are aimed at identifyingfactors that cause insecurity and lack of safety and those that create a feelingof safety among women and girls.Safety of Women and urban spaces: The safety auditsWe adapted the Safety Audits methodology in particular ways to the locallevel. The focus of our audits in Delhi has been on both physicalinfrastructure and the usage of spaces. In addition we have also1 Mega cities are those with a population over one million

8e Colloque annuel du CIPC, Querétaro, MexiqueICPC’s Eighth Annual Colloquium, Querétaro, MexicoEl 8o Coloquio Anual del CIPC, Querétaro, Méxicosupplemented the data from our audits with information collected throughfocus group discussions and a survey of women’s experiences of violence inpublic spaces.JAGORI conducted a series of Safety Audits across the city of Delhi duringthe period August 2005 – July 2006. The aim was to get a representativesample of diverse areas of the city. These audits were conducted inresidential colonies, resettlement areas, market places, commercial areas,educational campus, railway station and industrial area. They wereconducted by the members of JAGORI and in some areas along with localresidents and members of local organizations.We started the audits just before dark. The audit route was identified by theteam and in certain places the team divided itself into small groups so as tocover a larger area. The issues we focused upon were:• The state of infrastructure or the built environment – streetlights, thestate of pavements, bus stops, how tall are the trees, whether theycover the streetlights, the maintenance of parks, dark/ abandonedbuildings or areas, the state of car parking area.• The location of police booths, public telephones, shops and othervendors. In the case of shops, we also noted the kind of shops as certainshops such as auto parts or liquor have primarily male customers.• The usage of space according to gender.• Women users perceptions of safety.Addressing infrastructure issues is one part of conducting a Safety Audit.These are the concrete and visible ways in which safety or unsafety isdetermined and which can be changed. In addition culture of the city plays acentral role in determining the usage of spaces. Public spaces in Delhi areprimarily male dominated spaces. Men can be seen out in most areas andduring most times. Women are legitimately allowed to use these spaces whenthey have a purpose to be there. Thus, if they are on their way to work orstudy, dropping or picking up children, walking in a park (at certain times),shopping (at certain times), then they are seen as legitimate users of thespace. What women do not have is the license to just be or “hang around” inpublic spaces.Time is another major factor in determining who can and should be in publicspaces. There are some times of the day when it is more acceptable forwomen to be seen and be users of public spaces. It is more unacceptable forwomen to be out after dark but we found that even during the daytime thereare spaces where women found difficult to access or uncomfortable tonavigate.

8e Colloque annuel du CIPC, Querétaro, MexiqueICPC’s Eighth Annual Colloquium, Querétaro, MexicoEl 8o Coloquio Anual del CIPC, Querétaro, MéxicoWe recognize that gender is not the only or even primary axis ofdiscrimination in urban spaces. Age, social class, occupation, marital statusare other identities which impact of the experience of urban spaces. Class andprivilege are central to people’s definition of their experience in cities. Ourresearch and data show that an overwhelming majority of women in this cityface violence or fear the possibility of violence and therefore structure theirmovements. In a survey carried out by JAGORI of 500 women in the city,over 95% reported carrying an object for self protection such as pepper spraysand sharp objects; or restricting their movements both in terms of space andtime; or dressing in a certain way in order to feel more comfortable while inpublic spaces.Findings from safety audits: Infrastructure Issues and usage of spaceThe audits conducted by us in different areas of Delhi revealed manyinfrastructure inconsistencies. First, lighting in public spaces emerged as aproblem in many parts of the city. We found that poorly lit areas such asmain roads, inner streets, sections of markets, area between residentialblocks, bus stops, public toilets, subways, parks and car parks pose a threatto the safety of women.Women we spoke with shared that they avoid such places after dark as theyhave either been harassed in these spaces or that they are apprehensive ofviolence. Either way, this curtails their movement. To begin with, weobserved that the lights on the roads are often placed on the center of theroad or only on one side of the road with the light reaching only the road andnot on both sides of the pavements. Further, the bus stops are primarily lit bystreetlights and have no lights of their own. Thus, only those bus stops whichare close to streetlights are well lit.We observed that the number of women on bus stops in all parts of the cityreduces as the evening progresses and very few lone women are present atstops after dark. But women pointed out that they feel safer on bus stopsthan on the road and prefer to wait for auto rickshaws or for their friends atbus stops than on the roadside. If they are alone, even if it is not a very welllit place, women find the bus stop to be a legitimate space to be in after dark.In other places women described the problems faced by walking on darkroads and inner colony streets. Women fear that men would accost them inthe dark while walking to the bus stop or walking home from the stop. Incertain residential areas, the bus stop and sections of the road leading to theblock are dimly lit and women often face verbal harassment. Streetlights and

8e Colloque annuel du CIPC, Querétaro, MexiqueICPC’s Eighth Annual Colloquium, Querétaro, MexicoEl 8o Coloquio Anual del CIPC, Querétaro, Méxicoother forms of lighting in commercial and educational areas have differentimplications than in residential areas. Women’s ability to work late at officesor in libraries is curtailed, as they feel threatened once they step out of theirworkplace.We found that women feel uncomfortable in male dominated spaces such ascigarette shops, dhabas (roadside tea and food stalls), taxi stands, certainstreet corners, helmet stands in car parks, liquor shops, and certain parks.Women not only hesitate to use anyof these spaces but also are reluctant to be present near them for the fear ofharassment.During the course of the audits conducted over a yearlong period, parks wereone of the most striking spaces used differently by men and women. Lightingwas again the main area of concern as lights were often hidden by the treesin some parks while in some other parks they were not working.Pedestrian subways are becoming a regular feature of Delhi’s topography. Wefound that most subways are well lit, though often not at the entry/exitpoints. Further, the signage at some of these points are not clear. Most of thesubways do not have guards or attendants and we felt unsafe using them latein the evening when the number of users rapidly declines. Some subways,that have a few shops which are open till the closure time of the subway.Regular women users of the subway shared that they felt safe using it evenafter dark because of the presence of the shopkeepers over a period of time.Women reported feeling safe to move around after dark because of thepresence of familiar vendors selling vegetables and other household items,the local ironing person and others who are regularly present till late in theevening. They also felt safe walking around local night markets, especiallythe weekly evening markets.Safe Delhi CampaignFollowing the safety audits, several interventions and public interactionsfollowed.Public outreachThe aim was to reach out to the “man” and “woman” on the road tounderstand their experiences and share our campaign materials. Thisincluded regular interactions between the campaign team and the public.One day every month was dedicated to choosing one area in the city andmoving around with campaign materials and speaking to people. In addition,campaign materials including a helpline booklet (with all important numbers

8e Colloque annuel du CIPC, Querétaro, MexiqueICPC’s Eighth Annual Colloquium, Querétaro, MexicoEl 8o Coloquio Anual del CIPC, Querétaro, Méxicoin the city) were distributed through different channels including cafes,beauty parlours, shops, educational institutions, shopping areas etc.Another method was a bus rally through the city with bright banners andmusic with stopovers at markets and other public places. Jagori along withfriends also participated in the Great Delhi Run in large numbers as asymbolic claim to public spaces.Creating partnershipsSeveral types of partnerships were created during this campaign.• CII, an industry body to conduct sessions on Sexual harassment at theworkplace.• With PEHEL, a group of teachers and students in Delhi University• With the South Delhi Auto Union to carry public services messages onwomen’s safety on their vehicles.• With the Delhi Transport Corporation to sensitise driver andconductors to issues of women’s safety. This was done with over 3000personnel.Using different media• This campaign has been an interesting experience for us to work withthe online medium to reach out to people especially younger peoplewho are familiar with the medium. It involved creating an interactivewebsite where many people wrote in. We had between 450-700 hits amonth.• A mailing list of over 700 individuals and groups• Ad spot “Staring Hurts” on youtube. Almost 10,000 people have viewedit online.

Creating Safer CitiesWorking with women and communitiesSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Aims of the CampaignTo understand what “safety” means to women and girls andother vulnerable groupsTo work towards creating a society free of violence and fearTo ensure that women are integrally involved in this process.To broaden the issue beyond a “women’s issue” and make thewhole society responsible for safety and addressing violenceagainst womenSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

StrategiesConducting Safety Audits to map out safety factors in the cityMobilising public opinion to get people to speak out on violenceagainst womenWorking in partnership with the police and administration to ensurethat urban planning and law enforcement create the conditions forsafety.Building partnerships with diverse constituencies governmentagencies, civil il society groups, NGOs, educational institutions, privatesector bodies, citizens’ groups to implement innovative strategies tomake the city safe.Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Research MethodologyFocus group discussions with different sections of people tounderstand usage of and comfort with public spaces - youngmen, young women, older women, girls and women inresettlement areas, domestic workersSafety audits in 20 areas of the citySurvey on 500 women in the city to understand patterns of useof public spaces and vulnerabilitiesSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Safety Audits in DelhiMethodology to identify factors leading to safety or lack of safety.Conducted 25 audits in residential areas, resettlement colonies,markets, university, railway stationMeetings with people living/using the spacesTalking to people to get perceptions of safetyInvolving community in audits- liased with RWA’s in several areas.Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Questions asked in the AuditsWhen do you feel uncomfortable in a place?Have you heard or experienced anything negative here?Would anyone be able to hear if you called for help?Would people help if you were in need?What kind of changes would make you feel safer?Who do you think can play a role in addressing safety?Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Observations from Safety Audits- ResidentialStreet lighting very unevenPavements ae ets– unclean, broken, overgrown o trees,unusableSignagegParksBus stopsGarbage dumpsDark areasBoundary wallsSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

No place to walk !Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Public park in Mayur Vihar with no lights.Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Observations – Markets/Public SpacesBus stopsSubwaysPublic toiletsCar parksVacant plotsLightingSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Factors Affecting SafetyPhysical factors such as lighting, signagePublic spaces - male dominatedTrivialising of sexual harassmentLack of public supportBurden of safety put upon womenSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

IssuesDifferent contexts produce different notions – middle classneighborhoods, slumsIntersection of marginalised identities.How lack of safety structures women’s and girls livesHow to address different sets of actorsSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

SaketSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Connaught PlaceSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Interventions and strategiesPublic interactionsCommunity actions and organisingAwareness materials and using mass mediaWorking with institutionsSafe Delhi onlineSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Public OutreachOver 40,000 helpline booklets distributedthrough movie theatres, cafes.shops, beauty parlours,direct distribution.CityBus rally through parts ofMeeting and talking topublicSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Campaign MaterialBannersSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Community organisingCommunity women’s and youth groups created intwo lower income areasDeal with crime and violence against women at thelocal level.Work with police to demand their rightsCommunity awareness and mobilisation.Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Auto Drivers Join the DrivePartnership with SouthDelhi Auto Union todisplay 5,000 stickerson the back of autos.Interaction with autodrivers.Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Working with Transport CorporationSafe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Safe Delhi OnlineSafe Delhi website launched in Oct2006Approximately 400-750 visits a month.Many responses ses from users. s700 people have registered on themailing listOf this 100 are media peopleStaring Hurts ad on youtube.comOver 10,000 views as of June 2008Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls

Safe Delhi Campaign: Working together to make Delhi violence-free for women and girls