For a country which thrives on patriarchy, the inequalities among genders are reinstated very subtly in regular scenarios. One instance that we now no longer even notice these disparities between genders are the traffic signals and the traffic lights. Almost everywhere these traffic lights are represented by a man, one doesn’t even pay attention to the gender, however in diffused methods, the “man” turns into a representation for “all”.
To counter that and to lessen everyday “subconscious bias” and promote gender equality, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has tried to dismantle the ages-old ideals of our society. According to reports, the BMC, at Shivaji Park junction in Dadar, has installed traffic lights which depict women instead of men.
If you’ve passed by Dadar, you’d see something that will make you feel proud. @mybmcWardGN is ensuring gender equality with a simple idea- the signals now have women too! pic.twitter.com/8X0vJR8hvQ
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— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) August 1, 2020
This initiative is a part of the BMC’s “Culture Spine” Project which incorporates footpath development and renovation of gardens from Siddhivinayak Temple to Mahim Police Station.
The BMC will make modifications to 240 traffic lights and pedestrian crossing signs on the 18 junctions.
Maharashtra’s Tourism and Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray, shared this information on social media via a Tweet, quoting, “If you’ve passed by Dadar, you’d see something that will make you feel proud. BMC is ensuring gender equality with a simple idea- the signals now have women as well.”
A step like this is genuinely going to make public areas extra inclusive for women. It is definitely going to take a lot of time for this move to be replicated all over the country, after all, it’s a long way from Dadar to Delhi.
