What we have, what we want

Following the victory of the women’s bill in the Parliament, we find out how friendly the city is to its women.

No matter what’s the final fate of the women’s bill, Delhi has its share of ‘Women only’ places.

Special Metro seats
Initially, Delhi Metro had reserved seats only for for the old and physically handicapped. After receiving complaints from women, it reserved nine per cent of seats for them, too.

Hotel floors
Safety issues for single women led to hotels starting female-only floors. In ITC Maurya hotel’s EVA floor, for instance, the entire staff including the butler consist of women. Individual elevator access ensures maximum security.

Veiled garden
No men admitted. In Purdah Garden near Red Fort, women can enjoy a walk without being ogled at by you-know-who!

Ladies Night
To attract women customers, a few clubs and bars have been holding ‘ladies nights’ once a week. Pure by Kuki (Ph: 29225241) gives free cocktails to women on Wednesday nights. Kylin (Ph: 9911159546) serves free sangria every Thursday. Urban Pind (Ph: 3251 4646) gives free mojitos and beer on Wednesdays. Every Thursday Café Morrison (Ph: 26255652) has unlimited alcohol and drinks on the house for the ladies.

Ladies Special Buses
Delhi Transport Corporation launched ‘Ladies Special Buses’ called L-Specials on six routes last month. Sadly, their frequency is fairly low.

Taxis for women only
‘For She’ taxi service was launched in 2009. The cabs are driven by female chauffeurs. Ph: 44222222

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Women won’t be satisfied even if the women’s bill is approved by both houses of the Parliament. They want...

More decent men

“Eve teasing is rampant on the roads. There should be some classes for men on how to treat women,” says Surbhi Bagga of Sri Ram College of Commerce.

Risk-free outing

“We have to stay in college for rehearsals till evening on many occasions. Travelling at night in Delhi is not safe. We could definitely do with better lighting and more women cops on the roads. This way I can enjoy my night-outs,” says Angelin Sebastian of Jesus and Mary’s College.

More loos

“While men relieve themselves wherever they want, there are no clean public toilets for women in the city. There must be hygienic washrooms,” says R.Nithya from Kalindi College.

Understanding landlords

“The landlords ask us questions about boyfriends. If we go out late in the night, they threaten to call our parents or tell us to leave,” says a student on condition of anonymity.

No job discrimination

I recently applied for a field job. I’m eligible but was rejected on the sole basis that I’m a girl and won’t be able to run around,” says Harshita Rathore of LSR.

-Chetna Dua