Initially I had thought I would start writing about my past experiences, which I have been experiencing over a year and half. However, something interesting happened yesterday.
I was coming back from my class on a busy Sunday evening. Surprisingly, on Sundays, the metros are unusually crowded.
I got on the 4 coached metro train only to find men completely crowding in to the ladies compartment. After protesting for a little bit, I got tired and gave up. Also because I did not receive any support from other female travellors.
After a station or two, two other women started protesting and to show my support for the cause I totally believe in, nothing against men; but just to simply follow and abide by the rules. Three of us started protesting that the men should shift back to general coach. However, our shouts and screams fell on deaf ears. Finally, I remembered that once I was asked by the station administration to press the emergency button and ask the driver to call for security on the next station if the men do not budge.
I did exactly the same! And the on the following station, a huge group of at least 6 to 7 Metro Officials came and asked the men to either back up or get down and wait for the next metro.
Post this more and more women joined in our protest to make men follow such simple rules.
Surprisingly it was more number of older women who came for my support rather than the young adults, who just sat on their seats comfortably to watch the show. All they missed was a carton on popcorns!
My ride from Rajeev Chowk to Sikanderpur was full of twists and turns. At some stations we had to remind women who were traveling with Male companions that this is a ladies coach and whatever be your circumstance, men are not allowed. If one wants to travel with their male friends/ husband/ companions, then the general coach is there for a reason!
We had to even remind some men that the last exit of the ladies coach is not an easy gateway to deboard. That exist still comes inside the ladies coach, and can welcome a fine.
After 45 mins of protest, I finally reached my destination. Before I deboarded, women started applauding and thanking me and congratulated for my courage. This one specfic girl who deboarded with me, came and shook my hands and thanked me. At that time, just to be polite I just smiled. However, at the back of mind I was thinking, Why do young women like her stand up for the rights!
It saddens me to see men always breaking rules, please do not think that I presume women to be perfect. What saddens me further is how women always sit quitely and just watch the show like a helpless bystander.
I was coming back from my class on a busy Sunday evening. Surprisingly, on Sundays, the metros are unusually crowded.
I got on the 4 coached metro train only to find men completely crowding in to the ladies compartment. After protesting for a little bit, I got tired and gave up. Also because I did not receive any support from other female travellors.
After a station or two, two other women started protesting and to show my support for the cause I totally believe in, nothing against men; but just to simply follow and abide by the rules. Three of us started protesting that the men should shift back to general coach. However, our shouts and screams fell on deaf ears. Finally, I remembered that once I was asked by the station administration to press the emergency button and ask the driver to call for security on the next station if the men do not budge.
I did exactly the same! And the on the following station, a huge group of at least 6 to 7 Metro Officials came and asked the men to either back up or get down and wait for the next metro.
Post this more and more women joined in our protest to make men follow such simple rules.
Surprisingly it was more number of older women who came for my support rather than the young adults, who just sat on their seats comfortably to watch the show. All they missed was a carton on popcorns!
My ride from Rajeev Chowk to Sikanderpur was full of twists and turns. At some stations we had to remind women who were traveling with Male companions that this is a ladies coach and whatever be your circumstance, men are not allowed. If one wants to travel with their male friends/ husband/ companions, then the general coach is there for a reason!
We had to even remind some men that the last exit of the ladies coach is not an easy gateway to deboard. That exist still comes inside the ladies coach, and can welcome a fine.
After 45 mins of protest, I finally reached my destination. Before I deboarded, women started applauding and thanking me and congratulated for my courage. This one specfic girl who deboarded with me, came and shook my hands and thanked me. At that time, just to be polite I just smiled. However, at the back of mind I was thinking, Why do young women like her stand up for the rights!
It saddens me to see men always breaking rules, please do not think that I presume women to be perfect. What saddens me further is how women always sit quitely and just watch the show like a helpless bystander.
