Why January 21 2017 will be remembered as the day women all over the world revolted

Picture for representational purposes only. Photo: Reuters

A few weeks ago, women across India got a call that they need to go out and reclaim the streets. The daunting incident of mass molestation in Bengaluru was enough to jolt everyone to core and force them to fight back.

What started as a revolution in Bengaluru has spread like wildfire. Women groups across India are now planning to march together on January 21. Hundreds of women are expected to hold events in more than 20 cities (and counting) to "reclaim the night" and demand their right to safe public spaces.

The movement, publicised under the #IWillGoOut on social media, will bring together women's rights groups, charities, and student's associations across the country.

Million Women March or Women's March on Washington comes a day after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/WomensMarchOnWashington

These protests will also coincide with the Million Women March in Washington, which is being held to protest against sexism and sexual violence. Over a million people are expected to attend events in various countries, including Britain, the US, Macau, and Mexico after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, in our motherland, hundreds of people have signed statements of solidarity condemning antiquated notions of honour that restrict women indoors and disregard women's autonomy.

The movement #IWillGoOut will bring hundreds of people in solidarity in across 201 cities in India. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/IWillGoOut

Bhani Rachel, one of the organisers of the Delhi march, told Reuters: "We are doing this to stand up against the misogyny which was played out in the attacks on women on New Year's Eve, and then in the absurd remarks made by politicians after the incident."

"Although our demands are different from those marching in other cities across the world on Saturday, we stand in solidarity with our sisters, as we are all fighting against the same things --misogyny and patriarchy," she added.

The Bengaluru incident was shocking not only because of the sheer number of the molesters, but also because of the fact that the city is regarded as safer for women than New Delhi. This incident was a brutal reminder that women are unsafe anywhere, and that it's time they fought back. Not to mention, the various comments by politicians after the incident showed the daunting patriarchal side of the society.

This is why we need this pan-India movement. It's time the women of our country took a stand and said--enough is enough. Women not only need to reclaim the streets, but they also need to start a discourse around access to public spaces and safety. They need to make it clear to everyone that they won't cower down, that they won't hide in the "safety" of their homes--because let's be honest, women aren't safe there too.

There needs to be a discussion on the fact that wearing a dupatta, or even covering yourself from head to toe won't make anyone safe. You know why? Because women in salwars, burqas, and sarees get molested too. Let's get it straight--it's not about the clothes, it's about the social psyche.

This movement isn't a promotion for a cause, but it is what we need to ensure our freedom.

So ladies, it's time we made our voices heard, it's time we spread the word and joined the movement. It's time we questioned the notions of protectionism, and replaced it with autonomy and dignified personhood. Because if not now, then when? If not us, then who?