Kolkata witnessed a powerful moment of defiance and solidarity as thousands of women took to the streets in a late-night protest, reclaiming public spaces to demand safety and freedom from gender violence. Organized under the banner of “Reclaim the Night,” the protest echoed the voices of women who have long faced insecurity and discrimination in public spaces after dark. The protest, led primarily by women, coincided with an unprecedented act of civil disobedience – key areas of Kolkata plunged into darkness as street lights were deliberately turned off, symbolizing the fear many women experience at night.
The rally, which saw women from all walks of life participate, aimed to highlight the ongoing issue of gender-based violence and the failure of authorities to ensure the safety of women in public spaces. The movement resonated far beyond the streets of Kolkata, as it connected to broader conversations about women’s rights and safety across India. Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, taking note of the growing outrage, issued a strong statement, declaring, “Enough is enough.”
The Reclaim the Night Movement
The “Reclaim the Night” movement, also known globally as “Take Back the Night,” originated in the 1970s as a protest against sexual violence and harassment, particularly in public spaces. The movement has since spread to various parts of the world, becoming a symbol of women’s fight for safety and autonomy, especially in cities where stepping out after dark is fraught with risks.
In Kolkata, the women-led protest took on new urgency following a series of high-profile incidents of harassment and violence in the state of West Bengal. Many participants shared their stories of fear, intimidation, and unsafe encounters in the city. The demand was clear: women should have the right to move freely and fearlessly in public spaces at all hours, a right that is routinely denied due to the prevailing culture of gender violence.
Hundreds of women gathered at central locations in the city, marching with placards and chanting slogans, demanding an end to the growing insecurity they face in public spaces. The sight of women walking the streets at night, arm in arm, sent a powerful message of unity, resilience, and refusal to accept the status quo.
Lights Out: Symbolizing Fear and Vulnerability
In a move that intensified the protest’s message, large parts of Kolkata, including major streets and neighborhoods, were deliberately shrouded in darkness. The organizers of the protest coordinated with local authorities and residents to turn off street lights and residential lights for a symbolic 30 minutes during the demonstration. The blackout was intended to reflect the vulnerability women feel when walking through poorly lit areas at night, where the lack of visibility exacerbates the risk of harassment, assault, and other forms of violence.
Participants carried candles, torches, and mobile phone lights to illuminate their path as they marched through the dimly lit streets. This act of resistance was as much a metaphor for the lived experiences of women navigating unsafe environments as it was a call to action for authorities to address the chronic lack of safety in public spaces.
Governor’s Strong Response
Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, who has been vocal about social justice issues since assuming office, responded swiftly to the protest, issuing a strong statement that reflected the growing sense of urgency surrounding women’s safety in the state. “Enough is enough,” he said in a press release, acknowledging the concerns raised by the protesters. “The safety of women cannot be compromised, and this issue must be addressed immediately.”
Governor Bose also called for an emergency meeting with the state administration to review safety measures in public spaces, particularly after dark. He stressed that the state government must take concrete steps to ensure that women can walk the streets without fear. His statement added, “The right to freedom and safety belongs to every individual, and it is the government’s duty to ensure that these rights are protected, especially for women and vulnerable groups.”
A Broader Call for Change
The “Reclaim the Night” protest in Kolkata has sparked conversations across Bengal and India, drawing attention to the deep-rooted challenges women face in reclaiming public spaces. Activists point out that while symbolic protests are important, real change requires sustained pressure on the government to implement policies and infrastructure improvements, including better street lighting, more police presence, and faster judicial processes for crimes against women.
Social media was flooded with images and videos from the protest, amplifying the movement’s message. Support poured in from various parts of the country, with activists and organizations from Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities expressing solidarity with the women of Kolkata.
The women-led “Reclaim the Night” protest in Kolkata was a powerful statement of resistance against gender violence and insecurity. The deliberate blackout during the protest highlighted the fear that accompanies women in public spaces after dark, while the Governor’s firm response shows that the issue is being taken seriously by some in positions of power. However, as the protesters made clear, real change will only come when women can walk the streets without fear — not just during a protest, but every night of the year.