The actress, along with other Mumbaikars, hail the BMC’s move to introduce female symbols at the pedestrian crossings — signs and signal faces — on the Dadar-Mahim stretch
Ismat Tahseen (BOMBAY TIMES; August 5, 2020)

In a bid to promote gender equality, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently introduced female symbols — signs as well as signal faces — at the pedestrian crossings on the stretch from Siddhivinayak temple (Dadar) to Mahim. The move aims at reducing the unconscious bias that reinforces stereotypes on a daily basis, and is being hailed as significant at a time when topics on female representation and equality of sexes are dominating global discussions.

Among those who have welcomed the move is actress Nimrat Kaur, who has been part of movies like The Lunchbox and Airlift.Talking to BT, she said, “I feel that Mumbai stands apart in every way. It offers a great level of freedom and safety. And, this move by BMC adds another feather in the city’s cap. Having female representation in the traffic signages at Dadar is a great step. It’s a wonderful feeling to look at these signs when driving past the road; it’s sure to put a smile on every girl's face.”

Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal, actor-director of The Vagina Monologues, a play that added its voice to the topic of female empowerment, added, “It may be small, compared to what can be done, but it’s a step in the right direction. That said, you can put up women’s pictures everywhere, but until the mindset changes, it won’t have the right impact. We need to start thinking right.”

Women across the city have lauded the BMC for this step. Author and Bandra-based lawyer, Vandana Shah, shared, “It’s high time we have more women symbols. As of now, people look at androgynous symbols and just assume it’s male. So, I feel anything that moves the needle a bit, helps.”

BMC SPEAK: A SMALL GESTURE TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY
Kiran Dighavkar, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, BMC, said that the initiative is part of BMC’s ‘Culture Spine’ project, which also includes footpath beautification. He said, “We have replaced the pedestrian crossings — signs as well as signal faces — with female symbols on the stretch from Siddhivinayak to Mahim. It’s part of the new urban infrastructure and design that becomes a medium to showcase the nature or character of the city, which is about respecting women and supporting gender equality. It may not be a major step, but we are sending out a message globally with this gesture.”