Single in the city

In the wake of the recent molestation of a paying guest in the city, the focus has shifted to the oft-preferred rentals that many single working girls opt for. PG accommodations are seen as some of the best, safest ways to live for single working women as there is usually a family in close proximity, and an inclusiveness that sole rentals do not offer.

However, the recent horrific case of molestation and rape at a PG accommodation in Whitefield has again brought to the fore, the need for security and safety amongst working women.

Places like Nestaway provide a 24*7 security support to both its tenants and owners that can be reached with ease at all times, but that is not the case with the others in the city.  

Aditi K, a city content writer who works for an IT major in the city lives in a private PG accomodation. She says, “Moderate precautions like night curfews and basic security of the gates being shut must be observed for normal  day to day safety. I believe such measures help in everyday safety.”

For student, Aparna B, who studies at IIM-B and lives in the Banerghatta area, this instance, she feels is not a norm, just something that could happen anywhere, “Sometimes crimes happen despite security and women must be vocal about their concerns and grievances, and must not hesitate to report their apprehensions to the police.”

Additionally, with an evolving and changing society, the mindset of people about women and their identity must change and become a more humane and civic one, is something that most PGs echo. One that tolerates her as an equal.

There is Divya Shivappa, a city professional who stays at an Ejipura PG who says, “Since I work night shifts, and come to the PG by 4:30 am, it is important to have someone there for safety. I travel by cab so the security here helps, and there are also security cameras provided.”

Women must feel free to talk about safety concerns not only with their women peer but also with their PG owners. Many PGs in the city provide security to women.

Among the PG providers is Lakshman, who says, “We provide 24\7 security to the women living in our PG. The gates close by 10 pm to 10:30 pm every night and unless the women are working late hours, and are on night shifts, they are not permitted beyond the curfew time. Additionally, the doors are grilled too.”

For Sekhar who is based out of Domlur, security guards are a must, so that girls feel safe and there are no incidents. Even Narasimha Badri, who runs a PG located in Ejipura ensures that all safety measures like guards, cameras, are in place.