Thiruvananthapuram: Young women who were at Connemara market holding placards in support of ‘I Will Go Out’ protest meant to reclaim public spaces for women left the space at 6.40 pm. The protest against acts of violence women subjected to was being held in 19 other towns and cities other than Thiruvananthapuram by a collective called ‘I Will Go Out’. The event was till 8 pm. Many of the young women were B Sc Nursing students at Little Flower School of Nursing and had to return to their hostel.
Three had come from Kariavattom University campus. “Only three came from the campus. Others were preparing for the NET exam. The homes of some were a little far off,” said Anisha M. P., an MSW student. It might seem ironic that they left so early when the objective of the protest was to ensure that women have as much access to public spaces as men. “The society’s attitude that there won’t be problems if women stay within their limits is wrong,” Sakhi secretary Aleyamma Vijayan was heard speaking. But the revolution does not happen over a day’s time, remind activists.
“Change in attitude cannot happen overnight. But events like these give the young women awareness about their rights. It is such a solace to see new faces in these collectives. The new legislation after Nirbhaya case has not changed the society. This is where collectives become important,” said J. Sandhya, a lawyer. Sthree Koottayma has been holding such gatherings for women in Thiruvananthapuram every third Friday. “After the Soumya case, women activists came together, under the name Sthree Koottayma to occupy spaces that were typically seen as men’s spaces,” said Mercy Alexander, Sakhi founder
