‘People give me unexpected looks every time when they see me with my backpack all alone on streets wandering.’ Saniya is a 25 years old solo traveller who works as a freelance for a company and pursue her passion alongside. Travelling to new places, culture, meeting new people and learning new languages is her passion which she supports through working as a web designer for companies. She is been solo travelling for 5 years now and believes every girl should try this once. Women in India are transforming their roles that have been assigned by patriarchal society and are making desirable choices.
According to people in India, a woman or a girl gets satisfaction in settling down with a decent man or in having a family. Any interest beyond this boundary is presumed as a ‘waste of time’ or ‘vain attempt’ in order to live a basic cycle of life. Saniya have a different take on it and said, ‘Why others will set boundaries for us on how to live a life? Why they think we cannot decide it on our own? Or they are so regressive in their mindset that they want to control our lives and live in a certain way? I don’t agree with this that if I am doing what I love the most I am wasting my time or if I think differently, I cannot be a part of this community. I can never understand this perspective.’
We will celebrate women’s day this month across the world and will acknowledge social, economic, political and cultural achievements of this community. Although, women are coming out from their shells to make their own choices, we must look how others are contributing in uplifting this community? Solo travelling is one such act that is commonly not allowed to women by Indian parents considering safety issues and other particular reasons. Surprisingly, number of Indian women solo travellers is increasing and this could be a result of improvisation in facilities and offering safe environment by hotels and other staying places. Saniya has travelled the whole South India and half of West. Sharing her experience with us she said, ‘Definitely there have been major improvements when it comes to facilities comparing with few years back. When I travel, in terms of public places I can spot a public toilet very easily, pick and drop facility by hotels or the Uber and Ola service has made it quicker for women travelers. Also since this industry has grown and is expanding, we as a traveller found ourselves surrounded by travel friendly groups irrespective of genders.’
According to a report published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Punjab stands first on the list of single women travellers whereas Telangana secured second position. Women from these two states are exploring more comparatively. Saniya comes from Ludhiana (city) in Punjab and believes it is probably because the state is geographically small with limited population and with maximum number of people who move abroad for studying or work purpose.
What is travelling for Saniya and how important it is for her? She told EAT news travelling is something she does wholeheartedly. ‘It is not like I always dreamed of travelling or is a hobby. I love observing new culture, people, and places. My eyes need to see diversity that I have been taught for years in school about my country. Apart from it, it also empowers me. People usually ask me in public transports, why you travel alone? I say because I want to. Holding that backpack makes me feel I am on a journey where I don’t need a guard to protect me or do things on my behalf. I will manage everything on my own while looking at this beautiful country’, she said.
A concept started in 2013 in India is now been followed by thousands of Indian travellers and is most loved by solo travellers. It is a network of hostels and homes that are in service of travellers in affordable rate yet comfortable facilities and precisely with social surrounding. Zostel is now opened in 44 different cities of India and is proved convenient for whosoever interested. Saniya with an experience of maximum living in hostel described the comfy environment and said, ‘It is best for any women traveller. You will meet different people but with credible background. Food facility, funky decorations, cute dormitories, basic necessities, no alcohol and smoking, games and friendly staff will make your experience wonderful.’
‘Celebrating economic, political and big level achievements could easily be picked but realizing freedom of choice as a significant achievement should not be neglected either on this empowering day,’ said Saniya. Number of solo women travellers in India is escalating and is putting halt on discussions around unsafe environment and strict household rules on travelling. Or does it mean with time Indian society is improvising its parameters around women ?
A large number are flocking to the Eat News for quality news every day, and readers in Taiwan, United States, United Kingdom, India, Japan, France, Pakistan, China, Malaysia and more, now support us financially.
In these chaotic, perilous times, an independent, truth-seeking news organisation like the Eat News is essential. We believe everyone deserves access to trustworthy information. That’s why we choose to keep our reporting open for all readers, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay.
The Eat News has no shareholders or billionaire owner, meaning our journalism is free from influence and vested interests – this makes us different. Our editorial independence and autonomy allows us to provide fearless investigations and analysis of those with political and commercial power. We can give a voice to the oppressed and neglected, and help bring about a brighter, fairer future.
If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. You have the power to support us through these volatile economic times and enable our journalism to reach more people, in all countries.
Every contribution, however big or small, makes a difference. Support the Eat News for better reporting.
Support the Eat News ➔
