Following rising instances of molestation and harassment, a park in Gurgaon’s Sector 10A has been designated ‘only for

’. While some are happy with the move, others say that it’s not fair to bar all

men

from using the park.

Irked by the rising incidents of harassment and molestation of women at a park in Gurgaon’s Sector 10A, its Resident’s Welfare Association – along with the civic administration found a unique way to curb it. Starting from May, they designated the park – the biggest in the sector – as women’s only, arguing that it will create a safe space for women in the locality. Municipal Councillor Ashwani Sharma, who also heads the

in Sector 10A, tells us, “Last month, a woman walking on the track of the park was molested by a youth. In the past too, there have been instances of women complaining that they feel unsafe in the park. Hence, we took this step. We want the women in the community to have a safe place for taking walks and exercising.” Currently, a board proclaiming the park is only for women has set-up at the gate of the park. The park, which contains an open-air gym, and a walking/jogging track, is open from 5-9, both in the mornings and evenings.

While some have welcomed the women-only park in Gurgaon’s Sector 10A, others feel it’s unfair on men and won’t even solve securityissues for women

While some have welcomed the women-only park in Gurgaon’s Sector 10A, others feel it’s unfair on men and won’t even solve

issues for women

However, contrary to some news reports, the park wasn’t designated ‘women’s only’ by the civic authorities. They are merely supporting the local RWA’s decision. Ajay Nirala, Executive Engineer (Horticulture), MCG, clarifies, “We have not designated the park as women’s only. The local RWA and councillor have done that. However, since the MCG has a role in the maintenance of the park, we will continue to do so. There have been requests for CCTV cameras in the park to strengthen security, which will be installed by July. Work will also be done on the beautification of the park.” In addition, the local RWA is conducting awareness drives telling people about the women’s-only park and plan to create spaces for women to celebrate festivals and hold get-togethers in the premises starting July.

However, the development has divided the residents who frequent the park. Some feel it is the only way to combat the problem of harassment women face. Neeta Singh, a resident of Sector 10A, says, “A lot of women here had stopped going to the park because unknown, shady men would lurk around. A lot of women would be discouraged from visiting the park. This step means that now we can get out and go for a walk in the park without fear. It’s a great initiative.” Sudha Arora, a homemaker from the same locality, echoes this sentiment. “We need to create such safe spaces for women in our cities. Now, the park feels safe. The ambience is nice and where there were a handful of women coming here till last month, we now get 20-25 women here now on most mornings,” she says.

Others, however, argue that it completely skirts the safety issue and deprives many residents – particularly the senior citizens – from using the park. Ranjeet Kaul, a 35-year-old local resident, says, “This park is the only one in the area with an open-air gym and a walking track. It is where families would go to for walks or to relax and unwind in the evenings. I understand that women’s safety is important but you cannot deprive an entire gender access to a public place.” Rajendra, a retired banker living close to the park, adds, “It is tougher for us, senior citizens, to find places where we can walk or exercise safely. The roads have traffic and the other parks are a fair distance away from our house. This park was the one place where we could simply walk to and spend some time amidst nature.” Many also say that the decision to deny men entry into a park doesn’t solve the issue of women’s security. Vineet Singh, a Sector 10 resident, says, “Molestation can happen on the approach road to the park as well. This is like trying to avert your eyes from the main issue and pretending it isn’t there. Creating a women’s-only park doesn’t mean that incidents of harassment won’t happen anywhere in the sector. The authorities should work on strengthening security.”