Reclaiming the streets: Stories of reclusive women who became daring damsels

The self defense training camps organised by Delhi Police had always been visualised as a gesture of mere tokenism. However, a year after several training camps of the women comprising college students to shy housewives have made a remarkable change in their character as they now walk the streets of Delhi to reclaim them.

Meena, a housewife in her later 20s was a recluse when she had started the training programme a year ago. After arduously practicing the moves in the confines of her house she has bloomed into an assertive woman.

“I live in Lal Bagh area and several drug addicts, peddlers and lower level criminals dominate dark stretches of the streets. They used to tell us that this was not our home but we want to tell them that this street is ours.”

Varsha, a victim of stalking and harassment, believes that the most powerful moves are the basic ones.

Varsha and her group had been attacked a year ago after they had completed basic self defense training. They were able to incapacitate the attackers but not deal the fatal blow, a testament to their discipline.

“He tried to choke me. I broke the chokehold and my friend gripped him from behind. We had also calculated the risks and for good measure threw sand in his face and pinned him down and called the police,” said Shalu, a group member.

But the women had to fight off social stigma as when they would practice in local parks they would be a subject of derision and contempt.

One of the boys who laughed at their training programmes, Gaurav, now is a member of the group.

“I used to make fun of them but this one day two men beat me with sticks and these girls saved me. Now, here I am,” said Gaurav.