A model road for Kochi women soon
In an effort to make the Kochi safe for women, the corporation has decided to develop a road as a model one for their safety. The novel initiative is to showcase a road which provides maximum security for women.
Though a final decision is yet to be taken on the road, women’s rights groups have urged that the South-North corridor be developed as the model one.
Representatives of women’s groups like Centre for Gender, Development and Ecology (Samanwayam) and Sakhi, recently held discussions with the corporation on various proposals including the development of a model road.
Samanwayam had recently conducted a study on how safe the city was for women. Its objective was to identify and understand the factors that make women feel unsafe in public spaces in the city and how their safety could be enhanced.
“The proposal is to develop a model road with safety features like proper lighting, pedestrian-friendly footpaths and 24-hour police patrolling. Women should be able to travel safely through this road anytime”, said B.Bhadra, deputy mayor.
To get rid of the tag that the city is unsafe for women even during day, the civic authorities are also planning various other measures in coordination with women’s right groups and other agencies.
Another proposal is to set up a kiosk with toilet facilities for women. They can use the kiosk as a safe short-stay room. “Now, the city lacks such a facility. The restroom will be a blessing for nursing mothers, girls coming for interviews or other official purposes. The corporation has agreed to set up the kiosk in one of their buildings in Kaloor or Vyttila”, said Sr Mariamma J.Kalathil of Samanwayam.
Women activists have also asked the civic authorities to take necessary steps to make the KSRTC bus station and the railway station premises safe for women.
“Due to paucity of funds, the corporation will not be able to undertake the project on its own. We are looking for a sponsor to implement the project”, said Soumini Jain, chairperson of the works committee.
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