G Selva
ON November 16, at 10 pm, hundreds of spirited individuals that covered people from all gender identities, gathered at the nerve centre of Chennai's main thoroughfare, raising their voices for gender equality with bubbling enthusiasm and determination. Families, children, the elderly and youth, women and members of the LGBTQ+ community all came together, creating a diverse and inclusive space for the programme.
Organised by the Central Chennai district committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the ‘Gender Equality Walk’ was planned as a late-night programme under the slogan 'The Night Belongs to us, too'. This marked the second year of this initiative (the first one was held on August 22, 2022) aimed at challenging the gender-based restrictions for free movement in society and demanding equality.
A NIGHT FOR EQUALITY AND RESISTANCE
From 9 pm onwards on November 16, the area near the Periyar Statue at Anna Salai started witnessing a host of people from different places in City reaching out there high holding very big red flags flowing across in wind and placards bearing portraits of revolutionary leaders and handmade signs in vibrant colours demanding gender equality. The atmosphere turned into one of celebratory mood dancing to the rebellious tune of 'parai' drums resonating with the slogans for equality.
A Soundararajan, CITU Tamil Nadu state president garlanded the statue of social reformer Periyar amidst thunderous slogans, to mark the commencement of the programme.
However, the Chennai City police authorities intimated a last-minute cancellation of permission to hold the ‘Gender Equality Walk,’ citing concerns about law and order and disturbance to the general public!
In a spontaneous and quick response, the entire participants decided to sit on roadside near the Periyar statue and transform the programme into a cultural celebration.
The night was filled with energetic parai performances by Alternate Cultural troupe, and songs by young girls Abisha and Neya and Rajendran of Comrade Gangsta promoting gender equality.
RAISING VOICES FOR A CHANGE
Actor and social activist Rohini administered the gender equality pledge to an enthusiastic audience. Earlier speaking to the media, she asked, "Is the narrative around crime against women exaggerated, or, has the number of crimes come down? All said, India remains unsafe for women. The government has a responsibility to address this. This night belongs to us, to everyone, to women. The idea that women should not set out at night must change. This walk symbolises the need for a safer society for women."
Addressing the gathering, A Soundararajan remarked, “Equality exists only in rhetoric. Those in power often use the term with pride, but in practice, there is no equality – neither in law nor in practice. Gender equality is far from reality. Even today, 70 per cent of women face some form or the other of gender-based discrimination and violence. Despite numerous laws in a so-called modern society, why does this persist? Grassroots engagement is key to advancing gender equality. This programme aims to raise awareness and challenge the existing social norms at the community level.”
Women participants questioned the societal expectation that women should not leave their homes, particularly at night. When women step outside, they are often 'judged' and subjected to character assassination, something men do not face. This ongoing bias, an unwritten rule of society, continues to target women every moment, they said. They called for a shift in this stereotypical mentality, urging to usher in an era that would enable women the freedom to move out without fear or judgement.
Marakka, a transgender teacher at a private school, expressed her support to the programme. "This initiative by the Marxist party is encouraging and raises our hope," she said.
LGBTQ+ community members highlighted the lack of political representation for trans individuals, despite their active participation in elections. They pointed out that decision-making is dominated by men, with little space for women, making it difficult for trans people to advocate their rights. They stressed that real change can only happen when trans voices are represented in politics, urging political parties to address this under representation.
CONDEMNING POLICE ACTIONS
CPI(M) Central Chennai district secretary G Selva came heavy on the police Authorities' rationale for denying permission. "The police claims a late-night march disrupts public order, but they grant permissions for events like 'Happy Streets' during day time peak traffic hours. This blatant disparity exposes their bias. The CPI(M) takes up issues that are neglected by the government including the gender disparity within the police force itself," he stated. Selva spoke of the challenges faced by movements advocating gender equality.
The state police instead of according permission to the programme chose to post around 300 officers on the spot and park rows of buses to pick and detain those involved in the march. Despite being peaceful, the gathering was abruptly stopped, forcing participants to remain seated near the Periyar statue, where the march had begun.
The area was surrounded by police officers and multiple barricades, confining the participants to a particular spot. This heavy police presence was a design to disrupt the programme. However, the irrepressible participants stayed firm, turning the halted march into a powerful show of solidarity and determination.
The programme concluded at around midnight, with books distributed as mementos to participants.
The Chennai City police came in for sharp criticism for filing two separate cases against the organisers - one case was registered against A Soundararajan and 300 participants, while another targeted G Selva and 40 others for conducting the programme at the designated venue.
FIGHT FOR EQUALITY CONTINUES
The programme aimed to bring people together across social barriers and promote inclusive, gender-sensitive policies, but the purpose of reclaiming public spaces and challenging social norms was sought to be thwarted by the adamant attitude of the police administration.
Despite this setback, the night became a powerful display of unity and resilience. Participants left with the determination to fight for gender equality and to create a society where everyone can move freely, day or night, without fear or discrimination.
CPI(M) Tamil Nadu state secretary K Balakrishnan issued a statement strongly condemning the police's actions. “In a country guided by constitutional principles and court verdicts that mandate actions against gender discrimination, it is unacceptable for the police to deny permission for a walk promoting gender equality. Furthermore, filing cases even for conducting a pledge ceremony at the location designated by the police is an act of authoritarianism.”
The statement also highlighted the inconsistency in the police's approach. “While the police permit events like ‘Happy Streets’ during busy hours, they refuse permission for a low-traffic event like the ‘Gender Equality Walk’ at 10 pm. This hypocrisy is condemnable. The Tamil Nadu government must immediately withdraw the cases filed against the organisers,” Balakrishnan demanded.
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