Kya Rate Legi… Woman recalls harassment experiences in Noida, shares on social media

A woman has shared harrowing experiences of harassment in Noida, shedding light on the daily struggles many women face. The incidents, which occurred in various locations around Sector-18, Noida, highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures and public awareness.
Incident Near DLF Mall

Sonal Pateria, in a string of tweets described an unsettling encounter while waiting for a cab near DLF Mall, Sector-18. "A bike crossed by, and the guy sitting at the back waved and asked, 'kya rate legi'," she recounted. The incident unfolded in a matter of seconds, leaving her disoriented and distressed. Despite the alarming nature of the event, she was relieved to return home safely.

Trigger warning: Harassment

1. I was waiting for my cab near DLF m, Sector -18, Noida. A bike crossed and the guy sitting at the back waved and asked 'kya rate legi'. He didn't even stop and everything happened within a flick of seconds.

Thankfully, I'm back at home safely rn.

— Sonal Pateria (@SonalPateria) August 14, 2024

In another incident last Sunday, the woman was walking towards the Sector-18 Metro station during daylight when a stranger approached her. Initially, she thought the man might be a follower of her journalistic work. However, his intentions quickly became apparent when he said, "Don’t be shocked. Please calm down. Maine aapko walk karte dekha. Aap mujhe bahut acchi lagi. To maine socha rok kar baat ki jaaye. Kya pata koi chance ban jaaye." His forwardness left her shocked, and she had to walk away while calling a friend to stay on the line for support.

Further Harassment at Rajeev Chowk Metro Station

On a different day at Rajeev Chowk Metro station, the woman encountered another individual who, impressed by her appearance, asked for her phone number. This incident, along with others she faced this month, reflects a broader issue of public harassment.

A Call for Change

The woman emphasized that her experiences are not about what she was wearing or the time of day but about a pervasive fear that women live with daily. "We have so many battles to fight every other day. And we are constantly learning to deal with it," she wrote. She also pointed out that while street dogs in Delhi NCR may pose a nuisance, they are less intimidating compared to the men who act without fear of consequences.

Her story underscores the need for heightened awareness and stronger measures to ensure women’s safety in public spaces. The woman’s candid account serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by many and the urgent need for societal change.