Women’s movement in patriarchal society is restricted in more ways than one: they must return home early, they cannot stay out late, they cannot move around alone, and they must always be “properly dressed.” Do women feel safe despite all of these restrictions? Kanchan Jadhav, a young journalism student at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, is driven by this question. She is currently searching for answers in Maharashtra. She’s been touring the state by taking rides from strangers, and she’s been to 13 districts so far.
Kanchan Dattatreya Jadhav is from the village of Selu in the Parbhani district. She studies journalism at MGM College in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Kanchan’s father is a district council school principal, and her mother is a housewife. Kanchan recognised the dangers of patriarchy and how society discriminates against women at a young age. It bothered her while she was studying journalism. To find out firsthand whether women in Maharashtra are safe, she has decided to travel the entire state on the backs of strangers.
Kanchan’s family rejected her recommendation
Kanchan’s family laughed when she told them she was going to explore the state by taking lifts. However, after much persuasion from her, they agreed. She left her house with only a tent and started her journey from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. She has taken lifts to 13 districts and travelled over 1300 kilometres so far.
How did she travel?
Kanchan’s journey begins at 7 a.m. with lifts and continues until 7 p.m. After 7 p.m., she finds a place to stay. She prefers to spend her nights in hotels, schools, temples, and other places where she can pitch her tent. “Many people are surprised that I’ve been spending nights alone in a tent, and people frequently come to check on me to see if I’m okay,” she said.
Throughout the tour, she has spent all of her money on food. Often, the person she asks for a ride will also provide her with food. “I take lifts at different locations as I pass through a village,” she explained.
Kanchan initially felt conflicted emotions, and the main dilemma was deciding who she should approach for a lift and who she should not. She has had a variety of experiences. “A lot of people used to question me. “I was sometimes offered a ride for a longer distance than I had requested,” she explained.
“Many people give me their phone numbers and tell me to call them if I get into trouble.” People my father’s age regard me as their daughter. Boys my age regard me as their sister. I haven’t felt threatened so far. Everyone has been extremely helpful. “I am very proud of Maharashtra,” Kanchan says confidently.