TW: R*PE
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
When did you start your account?
It was in March 27th this year. I remember that day very clearly because a friend of mine told me that I am too feminist and so people don't like me and it made me feel very bad but strong at the same time...I realised in that moment that my ideas about certain things affect people so I decided to join the Chalk Back movement.
Why do you think “chalking back” is a good method to raise awareness?
Chalking back is the best method to raise awareness because first of all it draws attention to the topic and shows that we won't stay shut and another thing it makes people uncomfortable like they always seem to think its too extreme and it also makes them see the wrong of the world.
Why do you think ending street harassment is important?
Ending street harassment is important because it servers the misogynistic notion of society that women are toys and it gives space to bigger problems like rape to live in.
What’s your favorite thing about your city?
The durga Puja which is a special festival celebrated only in kolkata and other parts of West Bengal.
How can your city better address street harassment?
I think kolkata is one of very cheapest places of India, If accommodates mostly very daily wage workers. Harassment here is mostly done by them and to bring a change in their thinking is very important. These people lack common education and work hard to earn and I think we should start by organizing govt. Camps or any kind of teaching camps in local clubs to bring awareness and change in them!
What do you hope is the outcome of your account?
We hope that we can make womxn feel empowered and less lonely, create a safe space for them and of course bring change in the way things are.
What’s the most difficult street harassment situation you’ve experienced?
I was 18 and I was walking home from my tuition and a guy came up to me he was drunk and looked like a homeless person.. he followed me and then asked me to kiss him, when this happened I was standing just 2mins away from my house. I never thought this could happen so close to my home.. and there was nobody on the streets who could help me and I was scared that he might try to catch me if I run and I just froze in moment, I didn't know what to do. Then another man made it his business to save me that day and he also made me realise that we need more saviors and one of the many things that I feel is important that I don't want anyone else to go through that torture of seconds, this campaign for me is personal, I started because I don't want anyone else to feel what I felt in those few seconds, I wanted to run but I was scared that what if he has knife or what if he tries to force me and then not being able to tell anyone thinking people may think it was my fault, I want to save young girls from facing what I faced.
