‘Don’t worry about the leopard. It’s a man you don’t want to run into’: Delhi women reclaim the outdoors
On a wildlife walk in the Indian capital, a group of women share their stories of trying to enjoy nature in a city where strangers feel entitled to harass them
TL;DR
- Women in Delhi experience harassment from strangers when engaging in outdoor activities like wildlife observation.
- Intrusive questions about their identity, family, and intentions are common, discouraging their exploration.
- Safety concerns lead women to organize group walks, take detours, and avoid going out alone, especially after dark.
- The government's response to safety issues, like banning park entry after sunset, is seen as unhelpful to women who need to work or explore at night.
- Enjoying nature and walking in public spaces are described as acts of resistance for women in Delhi.
- Organizers plan future activities like night walks, acknowledging the need to create safe environments for women to experience nature.
- Measures taken for safety might exclude women from less privileged backgrounds.
- Women feel that men can easily access and enjoy nature, while women must build an entire ecosystem of safety around themselves to do the same.