Evolving a Movement to Curb Violence Against Women by Building Safe Cities for Women

In this cyber era of globalization, at the peak of modernization, gender discrimination and inequality still haunts the city women. No matter how educated a woman is, she faces gender bias at every step and opportunity, at home and in the outside world.The matter of concern is that women experience multiple and various forms of violence and harassment in public spaces. These could be in the form of obscene humour, intentional physical contact or a disturbing stare. Studies on several cities across the Globe reveal similar results. Maximum number of women in these urban areas feels unsafe. There is a need for serious thinking, action and movement aiming towards ‘Growing safe cities for women’. It is evident that violence and the fear of violence restrict the women to reach out to their city amenities like employment, education, health, recreation and political facilities and they are unable to enjoy the same rights to cities as men.Not going very far, Are the areas we are living in safe for women? Do we really think how and what initiatives to be taken to make our areas safe instead of telling girls not to go out after sunset and unintentionally preparing them to experience that unseen fear of violence. Small initiatives taken by Resident welfare associations and active women groups can make positive changes in the area by improving vigilance, introducing help lines, Safe Toilets, providing well lit corners etc. Safe small colonies and areas will together build safe cities. The paper focuses on creating awareness on building safe inclusive cities for women, its relevance, need and requirement of a safe city for a woman, to be able to give her “The Right to city” by eliminating violence and fear of violence at the same time.