The Plan to Overthrow Dhaba Patriarchy...
... by not just claiming public space, but
owning it.
The problem: As women and sexual minorities in Karachi, we are constantly suffocated in male-dominated public space, and our access to streets and spaces of leisure is limited due to cultural norms and threats of safety.
Our pitch: We want to make a small dent in Karachi's male-dominated public space by setting up a dhaba (roadside tea-stall) within the next year -- a pocket of oxygen that is inclusive, safe and welcoming for women and minorities who just want to chill on the streets and have a (cheap) cup of chai.
About #GirlsAtDhabas
#girlsatdhabas is a community of women, feminists and activists who want to claim male-dominated spaces in our communities that are not traditionally "supposed" to be occupied by women and sexual minorities, or are considered inaccessible and hostile spaces for us.
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After hanging out at dhabas having chai, chilling on sidewalks and engaging in similar 'scandalous' activities, we felt our own fears and cautions diminish, and a heightened sense of ease and ownership over our city. We began sharing our experiences with other women on social media through hashtags - #girlsatdhabas and #girslplayingstreetcricket - and hosted street cricket matches (typically unsual for women) in Karachi and Lahore.
Receiving media coverage from Buzzfeed, BBC, NYTimes, and various Pakistani and Indian publications has helped us refine our mission and grow our initiative's visibility.
#GirlsatDhabas in the press:
#girlsatdhabas has received submissions and attention from across the subcontinent. We recently held a discussion about women & public space at a local university where ~150 students showed up. We recognize that the issue of women's access and visibility is close to many hearts, and now want to channel that energy into collective sustainable action.
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Chai Chahiyay… Public mein janaab! / Claiming the str33ts
#DhabaForWomen is our dream for a safe and inclusive dhaba/tapri where women can just feel comfortable hanging out for long hours. Dhaba/chai culture in South Asia is male-dominated, and we want to encourage women to participate in it, and own it for themselves.
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We plan for this dhaba to serve as a resource base to run activities; host workshops, dialogues, and campaigns around gender and feminism; and facilitate women to come together and address issues of public space access and harassment.
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[#girlsatdhabas dialogue at Institute of Business Administration, Karachi on women in public space]
Our goal of $10,000 will go towards renting a dhaba space, getting it up and running in 3 months, initial maintenance costs and providing transport and security for all staff.
Stage 1: Setting up the #DhabaForWomen
Stage 2: Turning the dhaba into a space that runs regular activities, workshops, dialogues and campaigns about women + gender + public space
Stage 3: Expanding leisure activities that tend to be male-dominated, such as starting a motorcycling club*
Stage 4: Making it a base-camp for women's rights advocates and activists
Every contribution will be valuable.
*women rarely drive bikes in Karachi, and when we ride as passengers, we typically sit sideways because it is considered taboo for us to spread our legs.
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You can help us by...
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Donating $10 or above.
Participting in #girlsatdhabas; send us your photos + stories
Hosting a gully cricket match in your neighbourhood + volunteering as a cricket coach
Donating old bicycles / motorcycles
Spreading word / ask your rich relatives pliss :)
Your contribution will create impact.
#dhabaforwomen will create employment for groups marginalized by gender and sexuality by hiring local female/khwajasira(trans*) staff & provide a physical safe space for leisure and activism
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You will help us form a community for young feminists to come together and challenge gender norms on the streets. #dhabaforwomen will create a visual shift in women’s visibility, both in public and online through social media
Your contribution will enable us to collaborate with feminist groups in India and support each other's resistances by working together on issues shared by women/minorities on both sides of the border
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Our work aims to inspire and encourage others to start similar initiatives, and engage with issues of everyday feminism in practical, new, and innovative ways
"Laikin log kya kahayn ge?"
“But what will random family members and strangers say?!”
While there are social stigmas around women’s presence in public spaces in Karachi, our group has not faced any strong reactions of disapproval yet. However, women’s safety and street harassment are legitimate concerns which we want to consider at every step of the way. We will open our dhaba in a familiar neighborhood, where our community members can feel safe and welcomed. We will provide amenities for our team such as transport and health. We are also connected with a network of feminists and professionals working for women's rights who will provide advice and support as needed.
We want to facilitate women to re-think and re-navigate our relationships with their cities, and to own and define public spaces on our own terms and whims. You can help make this a reality by supporting #DhabaForWomen.
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