'Girlcott' packs a punch, but malls fail to feel pinch

Though it didn't stir up a storm in the city, the three-day 'Girlcott' campaign has managed to generate a "wave of public support" and strike a chord with a section of residents. The campaign came to an end on Sunday.

Though it didn't stir up a storm in the city, the three-day 'Girlcott' campaign has managed to generate a "wave of public support" and strike a chord with a section of residents. The campaign came to an end on Sunday.

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Emboldened by the response, Richa Dubey, who floated the 'Girlcott' idea on social media, said she looked forward to organising more such events in the future. Sufi singer Rabbi Shergill and violinist Sarat Chandra Srivastava had extended their support to the campaign.

Though it failed to match the success of the Delhi Slut Walk, the unique initiative by Gurgaon women to abstain from splurging money on shopping and other indulgences to protest against the authorities' slack attitude in providing them safety did get its share of attention.

By not splurging money, the fairer sex aimed at mounting pressure on the city's mall owners and merchandisers -- a community that can influence the city administration - to raise the issue of women's security which has taken a severe beating in recent times with the incidents of rape and molestation on the rise.

It was more or less business as usual in malls and other markets over the weekend. "There has not been any decrease in footfalls," said BR Wassan, president of the MGF Metropolitan Mall Occupants Association.

The spirit of the campaign spilled on to NCR cities and other parts of the country. People pledged their support virtually by 'liking' the Girlcott Facebook page.

Some of the women literally practiced the boycott too.

"I refrained from spending this weekend," said 35-year-old MNC executive Preeti, who claimed she saved R10,000-R15,000 by dropping her plans of shopping and eating out.