- 1.2Kshares
- Share
- Tweet
- Facebook Messenger
As a woman living in a metropolitan city in India, when it comes to safety, I guess I have it easier than many others. I can afford to go out at nights for a stroll with friends or travel alone at odd hours without a male escort. And I realise just how privileged I am in that matter. Especially when the kind of news I see first thing in the morning is that of five female activists being abducted and raped in Jharkhand while performing a street play to raise awareness against human trafficking. In broad daylight.
Yes, women in cities definitely have it easier. However, we do not take this safety for granted. Each day is a gamble. Hailing a cab or an auto alone at night is very much like rolling a dice. Every ride requires you to be constantly vigilant. No matter how many times you do it, at the end of every safe ride back home you breathe a sigh of relief.
Filmmaker Vijayeta Kumar is one such woman who appreciates the privilege of living in a city where women are safe.
She recently spoke of a chance encounter with an individual, that made her appreciate it even more.
In a tweet, she recounts how despite her cab breaking down, the night had a pleasant surprise for her:
“My cab broke down near Powai, past midnight. Stopped an auto and was wonderfully surprised to see a woman driver. She dropped me home, we chatted and it felt so good to live in a city where women do feel safe enough to be out at all hours. Really hope it stays that way!”
She also tweeted a picture of the boss lady:
My cab broke down near Powai, past midnight. Stopped an auto and was wonderfully surprised to see a woman driver. She dropped me home, we chatted and it felt so good to live in a city where women do feel safe enough to be out at all hours. Really hope it stays that way! pic.twitter.com/2bTpq340R2
— Vijayeta (@SacredInsanity) June 21, 2018
Her tweet has resonated with many on Twitter, who had some insightful thoughts on the matter:
1. Mumbai meri jaan.
Mumbai is still safer for women compared to other cities. When in Mumbai I do travel alone at night sometimes by train or auto. Never felt threatened. Mumbai is my jaan 😍😍
— Maverick Girl (@PallaviDeo5) June 22, 2018
2. Yes, cabs are definitely safer as compared to autos.
Guess driving an auto is more challenging than a cab. Women cab drivers exist around the world
— Nitasha (@nitasha_natu) June 21, 2018
3. Indeed.
Mumbai has always been safe for women, have never felt unsafe travelling at any hour here. Glad you shared your story. Need to show the positives in this very negative world!
— Uma Nazre🇮🇳 (@NazreUma) June 22, 2018
4. Soon. I hope.
Good to know. But the real happiness will come when the daughters of the nation will feel safe even with male drivers at mid-night. I hope that day comes soon…!
— The Lionheart (@Being_AndhBhakt) June 21, 2018
5. Aamchi Mumbai.
Nothing like aamchi Mumbai! Still remember the night at 2 am, 25 years ago, when my visiting cousin fell sick, had to be taken to a doctor, auto turned on meter without asking. Mumbai rocks!
— Sundar Ramaswamy (@SunDudez) June 22, 2018
6. Yes, it’s always like that.
I don’t know what I’m more impressed or depressed about… that you fear taking a rickshaw driven by a man (Was It Always Like That? I’m just asking) OR that you could find a female rickshaw driver.
— SGK 🔥 🚩 (@captaink99) June 21, 2018
7. As soon as possible at that.
https://twitter.com/PrakaashL/status/1009736088888512513
8. We will act for such an India, not wait.
https://twitter.com/maheshvs007/status/1009737493535604736
9. Special shoutout to the Mumbai Police for doing an exemplary job.
Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai ❤❤
Special mention @MumbaiPolice Heartfelt thanks. Always!! https://t.co/eqLPLTroqS— Maanvi Gagroo (@maanvigagroo) June 21, 2018
10. Lots of love, Mumbai.
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) June 23, 2018
It all comes down to this:
#Mumbai pic.twitter.com/hxhvBHxm2e
— Vijayeta (@SacredInsanity) June 21, 2018
Well done, Mumbai. Rest of India, take notes, will you?
- 1.2Kshares
- Share
- Tweet
- Facebook Messenger