Guard, cabby, delivery agent: Women who claim the night, 365 nights a year
Times of India | 17 August 2024
Kolkata: The midnight protests on Wednesday might have prompted thousands of women to take to the streets but there are many women who reclaim the night throughout the year, facing harassment but overcoming fear through grit and determination.
Sampa Malik works as a security guard from 1 pm-9 pm on the main campus of Jadavpur University. “As soon as my duty ends, I change my clothes and try to catch the local train from Jadavpur station to Sealdah so that I don’t miss the 9.30 pm Dankuni local.It takes around one-and-a-half hours to reach Dankuni,” Malik said. According to her, she feels extremely uneasy travelling at night because there are fewer train passengers and the male gaze makes it worse. “If I miss the 9.30 pm train, then I have to take the one an hour later, which is more deserted. I regularly travel alone at night and feel helpless. But I have no option,” she said. She added that her husband comes to Dankuni station to fetch her home because there are “unsafe” places on the way.
App cabby Esnotara Khatun shared the harassment she faces while driving at night. “We are out on the streets at night throughout the year but never feel fully safe and secure. We have to be very careful while picking up passengers and have to be on guard because there is hardly anyone on the streets at night who can help me if I shout,” Khatun said.
Rupa Chowdhury, the first female food delivery agent, feels that overcoming fear in the face of adversary is the only option that made her stick to this profession. “In 2018, when I joined this field, it was dominated by male agents. I also work as a bike driver. I faced several challenges but I kept at it. My profession demands me to travel at night on empty streets or venture into dark lanes but that has not limited my mobility and possibilities. During the initial years, I felt daunted but now I chose to keep my fear to myself. My panic and helplessness does not get reflected on my face. It is my grit that helps me stay strong,” Chowdhury said.
IT professional Baisakhi Ghosal returns home late in the night. She works in Sector V and stays in Salt Lake Sector 1. “The streets in Salt Lake are deserted and dark when I return and I often feel extremely uneasy. Moreover, stares and comments by men loitering on the streets adds to my vulnerability. I sincerely wish this scenario changes and the inherent fear for our safety is addressed,” she said.