)
On June 27 this year, journalist Nivedita Niranjankumar wrote an impassioned post on Facebook on the lack of safety of women and the curbs that society places on what women wear, what they do and where they go. The post inspired Akshay Vishwanath to direct a short video addressing the issue. Using Nivedita's words as the voiceover, the video focuses on what it would be like if society didn't judge women by the clothes they wear or the choices they make.
Here is an excerpt of her post:
"When I panic, because my phone is dead, and I am in a cab wearing a backless dress?
When my friends and parents worry that I have to travel alone at night?
When I am sleepless in the bus, thinking, that your hands will pin me down and yank my clothes away?
What makes you think I should not wear that pretty black skirt?
To be scared. Afraid. Tensed. Every time I am not at home.
What makes you think I like it when I find you smiling at my bra strap that shows?
Yes, I wear a bra. Yes, it shows. So?"
The post quickly went viral, and has received close to 80,00 shares on Facebook.
In stark contrast to the words, the video shows women loitering in the dark on an empty street, running carefree on the beach, dancing with abandon in a club and drinking beer with friends, to show what it looks like when women are truly free to do what they want. The scenes are simply shot and yet convey a powerful message.
Watch the video:
