Anushri Joshi week 6

Analysing Loitering in Public space

The distinction between protection and freedom becomes blurred when it comes to women's rights but the author claims that loitering in public spaces is one form of demanding equal rights for women. In a country where problems like rape or lack of access to basic facilities persists claiming public spaces appears to be something only the priveleged can afford to do. However, one of the root causes for most problems faced by woman is actually the unsafe nature of public spaces and the understanding that they belong to a select few. Interestingly, the woman is shown as the victim within the space while the lower class male (tapori) as the villain. The idea of protectionism makes its appearance here as well. This parallel appears true even in the manner that woman are asked to come home before the dark and not wear 'revealing' clothes as a means of protecting themselves from rapes. Moreover, the author in the piece goes so far as to say that malls, cafes and others, are actually private places by virtue of their reason as a place of entertainment. Existing in such a place does not challenge the public space limitation on women. It is only sex workers who truly break the limits but can never be said to be part of the general 'women kind' as they are termed to be outside this protectionist bubble anyway.

This constant battle for safety comes to the forefront only when seen in light of public spaces. An issue that began in the nationalist era, where woman were protected and kept in the private sphere, continues even today.