JOIN USCycling groups in Delhi and NCR held a symbolic ride against harassment of women in public places.
With increasing awareness on violence against women these days, one incident is sufficient to spark a mass protest. At least six cycling groups from Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida, besides a number of independent cyclists, held a protest cycle ride on the weekend against an assault on popular comedian and fellow cyclist Vasu Primlani. At least 300 people cycled from India Gate to the Biodiversity Park, Gurgaon to protest the harassment of women in public places. The event was called Take Delhi Back.
The idea was triggered by Vasu posting on Facebook recently that she was assaulted by an autorickshaw driver in East Delhi while policemen and passersby just watched. An outpour of angst followed with these groups deciding that they would hold a protest ride. Ela Ghosh of Spinlife – a cyclists’ group in Gurgaon - says, “Women face such problems daily – on buses, in the Metro, on the roads, in colleges. Often people just see it happening, some even enjoy it, but hardly anyone comes forward to help. We need to create awareness on this issue so that no woman has to fight a lonely battle against hooligans.”
Anand Sinha of another such group Pedal Yatri says, “We totally understand what Vasu went through because our women members are often teased even on cycling tours. They are stared at, commented upon and even stoned. Therefore, we thought of extending our support to Vasu and the cause of protecting women in public places.”
The group started from India Gate and was joined by different cyclist collectives as they made their way to the Biodiversity Park. Even a joggers’ group added to their strength for a while and a cycling enthusiast pedalled down all the way from Meerut to be with them. He covered a distance of no less than 100 kms in the process.
At the Biodiversity Park’s amphitheatre, the Gurgaon Drum Circle performed to raise their spirits and Vasu spoke about how important it is for men to stand up for women during incidents of eve-teasing.
Vasu says, “When men and women work together, even cycle together on the roads, it gives out the message that we are equal. It is important to convey this because often men who molest and rape have seen women in inferior roles only. Other than that, we want men to understand that masculinity lies not in dominating women, but in protecting them. We are hopeful that our small initiative will help in riding home the point.”