The much-awaited and controversial Delhi SlutWalk — titled SlutWalk Arthaat Besharmi Morcha — got going on Sunday, with a loud call for society to change its attitude rather than force women to hide indoors. While it lacked the lingerie, fishnet stockings and skimpy clothing of its western versions, the march still managed to bring more than 250 supporters to Jantar Mantar with bright signs and loud chants.
The volunteers and interested passers-by began gathering at the venue from 10.30 am, and were soon joined by a substantial media contingent as well as 80 policepersons — both male and female — to maintain order. Although the crowd ended up consisting of more men than women, the support for the cause was loud and insistent and slogans such as Bharat apna mahaan hai, ladkiyon ke bina shamshaan hai, and Besharam kaun? Tere aage teri soch could soon be heard above the din of the traffic.
The movement — initiated after a policeman in Toronto, Canada, said skimpy clothing invited sexual abuse — had gathered momentum in India last month when the Delhi Police chief lectured the city’s women against being out alone late at night. The protesters are now hoping their march would go some distance in changing the attitudes in Delhi, which is often referred to as India’s “ rape capital”. Rashmi, a Delhi University psychology student, said: “ Women can’t step out without being harassed. You know when somebody brushes against you in a bus that it’s not accidental. I want to be able to go out without feeling apologetic about my attire.” On Sunday, the crowd had gathered around Umang Sabharwal, a 19-year-old journalism student who organised the protest.
Calling on the people at the start of the march to remain peaceful and sensible, she said: “ We are walking for a cause and we’re dressed in the same clothes that we wear every day.” The throng then set off on the walk route which was cut short after the police enforced IPC Section 144 ( banning unlawful assembly).
The run- up to the protest had promised celebs, including Nafisa Ali and Gul Panag, but the only one who turned up was Nafisa. The actress- activist, who stressed the importance of gender equality education at home, said the movement was strengthening by the minute and that it was time the practice of blaming women for rapes and molestations was discouraged.
As the crowd made its way past the YWCA guest house, the placards made it clear that, while the rally might have lacked the flesh- baring sizzle of other SlutWalks, it was equally vocal about the message. "You stare at me not because of my clothes but because I’m a woman” one poster read.
Student Ankur Bindal, who was carrying a sign asking boys to stop rape, was, however, of the view that the march won’t solve problems so fast. He said: “ It’s Delhi that has to change its mindset. My sisters and pals can’t go out without facing harassment.” There were also a few persons among the crowd who had turned up to express their displeasure.
KPS Baba, who described himself as a citizen for a common cause, said he had come specially to tell off women wearing skimpy clothes. "They think they can wear what they want and nothing will happen?” he asked, adding “ petrol and fire can’t be kept together”. “ If women want to prevent sexual violence, they should dress decently,” Baba said, repeating the Toronto policeman’s words.
The SlutWalk was followed by a play by Asmita, a drama club, that highlighted the problems women face in Delhi. There was a performance by the Delhi Drums Club and the event ended with supporters signing canvases with messages.
POLICEWOMEN WERE CLUELESS! The woman contingent of the Delhi Police was asked to be on duty at Jantar Mantar during the SlutWalk, but they had no idea why people had gathered there. “ I don’t know what is happening. I am just doing my duty,” one officer said. Another added that “ you should talk to our seniors. We are just maintaining law and order”. 
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