Gurugram municipal councillor’s ‘women only’ park upsets men

Sumedha Sharma
Tribune news Service
Gurugram, May 15

A municipal councillor in Gurugram has decided to designate a space for a “women only” park in an attempt to stem the number of harassment and chain snatching cases that women walkers face.

A wooded area has been developed into a park for women, Municipal Councillor Ashwani Sharma said.

“There have been several cases of crimes against women when they go out for walks. Women cite
security and safety as their biggest concern. Even though we have police patrols in the area, women are still scared to go to parks,” Sharma said.  

The park, which is open from 5 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm, has an open gym and a jogging track.

“This park will allow women to be at ease with their children. We have installed CCTVs in addition to posting a guard. Men can enter only with permission, that too accompanied by a guard,” Sharma said.

However, the decision move has enraged the area’s men, who have accused the Gurugram Municipal Corporation of gender bias.  

There also exists confusion over whether the park has indeed been designated “women only”—although a board outside the park proclaims so, authorities deny any such move has been made.