Sleep – A Political Statement

Sexual harassment has been one of the most imminent struggles in India over the last decade. As society continues find new methods to have their voice heard, this weekend – activists throughout the nation embark on an endeavor that leaves participants in fear – in the fight against sexual harassment: taking a nap in a public park. The freedom to rest or sleep in a public space is one that women in India are unable to enjoy , since being idle in public is not something commonly done. Not because it is illegal, but because they are faced with total vulnerability (often taken as an “invitation”).This is increasingly true in recent years,since the country has experienced an increase in violent rapes and street harassment.

Hosted by an all-volunteer collective called “Blank Noise” the purpose of the campaign is to go against street harassment, this protest event is called “Meet to Sleep,” and citizens to come together to reclaim public spaces and make cities safer. Blank Noise promotes ‘activity” rather than a silent protest through its projects, events, and campaigns, and it has played a major role in the discussion surrounding street harassment in India. The organization has been hosting Meet to Sleep events in cities across India since November 2014.

Acknowledging women’s right to safe public spaces isn’t something people who grew up in open environments to think of intuitively. The fact is that women in such areas often spend most of their life denied the joys of lingering in parks or on street corners, reading a book out in the sun while laying on the grass. These restrictions are placed in an effort to safeguard children from facing constant harassment – however organizations such as Blank Noise bring hope to a better future , a future in which freedom is acknowledged , even through the simple pleasures of life.