Uber Rapes!

By Amitabh Kumar

Sorry for that headline, sorry for bringing up this topic, sorry for even trying to discuss my ideas, but most of all I apologize for the violent patriarchal society we live in.

We were all shocked by the newspapers on Saturday, a brutal rape case, what is far more brutal that the survivor belonged to a comparatively 'well to do' background. Yes she was one of 'us', could afford a cab a smart phone a credit card which enabled her to download a wonderful app which makes commute for women 'safe' at night. 

But the actual brutality of the matter is, we would not have cared/shocked/discussed the issue had it not been one of us! (Yup I include myself in the group of hypocrites!) There were other headlines on the same day, I have not joined a discourse on them, nor written about them.

• Vishwabharti school girl alleged rape, accused held
• Bangladeshi student arrested on rape charges on SantiNiketan
• Builder accused of raping former lover
• Ghost told dad to rape me: Claims 14 year old

I was one of the fools protesting on 16th of December 2012 believing we were about to change the world, well back then we blamed Ms Dixit & the Police and' buses with dark glasses', this time its 'foreign app', next time it will be another wonderful reason. Except the one which is the real reason.

We create these safe ghetto's for ourselves, where every one talks in a foreign language & in a foreign accent paying prices which ensure the foreign currency exchange rate does not burden us when we fly abroad. And in doing this we unapologetically ensure that 'they=waiters, taxi drivers, security guards, house helps, delivery boys' (it's a crazy long list of people who ensure our lives are comfortable but never will indulge in these comforts) are forgotten. They serve a simple purpose, are just tools to make our lives luxurious, "Why should we care about them?"

Tragic but true the 'safety' of our ghettos is as fake as the people who live in them. Presently the discussion has led to the 'responsibility' being on UBER, a phone app, which helps you find a cab easily. It has other features which ensure 'safety'. Does anyone actually believe that a phone app will be accountable for their safety? When the society/Police/Government cant be trusted!!!

What drugs are we on? The only reason why rapes happen is because of the rapist & because society collectively has failed that individual. In our amazing process of commercialization we forgot about the aspect of socialization. Violence is not just normal is it accepted & gender based violence is not just accepted it is appreciated!!!!' Rapists & rapes are reported upon like bollywood thrillers'.

(I know your brain probably went, stop sharing this #SaveThePlanetJargan)

Well trust me gender based violence is an epidemic!



No it was not the app which failed, it was the notion that a girl who drinks & hangs out alone at night is a 'sex object’, that is the failure we need to work upon. I am sure all the 'well wishers’ out there read the headlines and told all the young women' Beta, that is why you should not go out at night!'. I know we are afraid for the safety of our loved ones. But that is not the solution, immediate solutions include ensuring there is a quick conviction of the criminal, discussion/implementation towards creating safer spaces. Yes it will take 'a lot' of time, but if we do not have the time to invest in our safety & security or safety & security of our loved ones, what do we have time for ???

Closing down bars, changing phone apps or police commissioners wont bring about sustainable change, yup implementing justice verma commission report recommendations, gender sensitization awareness campaigns, discussion to curb gender based violence at homes/schools/colleges/work spaces is the only long term solution.

I am angry/afraid/helpless, probably most of us are. Will I return to my 9-5 earn to survive mode & just ensure 'I' stay safe and unharmed, or will I write a letter to my local police station/local MLA/MP/Governor highlighting the safety measures they should take. Will I ensure that dark street is lit up? Will I make it my problem? Or will the activist in me get lost in the daily battles of deadlines/ salary bonuses/ home/car/mobile/jeans loans ? Guess like most questions this question shall also be answered in good time!

#Vote4SafeDelhi: Calculated Promises & Promising Calculations

By Amitabh Kumar

Elections are round the corner, sources say 5thfeb 2015 will be the big day in Delhi. As ModiJi, Gandhi Ji & Kejri Ji, come seeking our vote. (Well the radio/Tv/Internet has already started jingling the tunes). We decided to have a quick look at their websites to figure out what was on offer this time. (our previous observation can be read: #DelhiElections!!! Whats going to change for the women of Delhi ?

Let’s start with the party in power, BJP, well they have a website dedicated to Delhi, good design, hi-res pics, most of the information about how amazing Modi Ji is, is to be found without a click. Though when it comes to finding an actual plan/manifesto/implementation strategy, the website is clueless. We have dropped a mail to SMT. Preeti Kamal JeetSehrawat the president of the MahilaMorcha (kjsehrawat@gmail.com), asking her about how they plan to make Delhi safer for women. Let’s see when/if I get a reply.

Next we visited the Congress party website, unlike BJP they do not have a separate site for Delhi (or at least Google could not find it). But what could be found on this well designed rather uninformative site was a manifesto with a 15 point agenda. This 2 page document has a few specific aims, sadly none of them are gender specific. Unlike the BJP they do not have any specific person one could get in touch, so we have sent a mail to connect@inc.in, also surprising that Congress just has 3 leader Mommy/Son Gandhi & Mr Manmohan Singh, what happened to the rest of the crew?

When we come to Delhi, it would be unfair to give the ever happening phenomenon of the Aam Aadmi Party. They do have a Delhi website Aam Aadmi Party, with too much happening on it. But the manifesto is clearly visible & Social justice has Gender Justice highlighted. Manifesto reading through it one can see that they have covered the basics. Though could have certainly been a lot more specific, plus included points about gender sensitization, LGBT rights.

That’s where they stand today. Doesn’t it make you wonder how do they plan to come up with genius ways of making Delhi safer for women in just a few days? Or is it all about calculated promises & promising calculations after all? Do our political leaders really want to change the scenario or is it just smooth talk to get our votes?