Cartoons for change in the New Delhi metro

The Red Line of the Delhi Metro Uses Cartoons to Change Attitudes on Gender Equality

Cartoons can make a difference, and Delhi metro commuters can attest to that fact. Between September and December 2011, commuters travelling between 21 metro stations along the Red Line of the Delhi Metro saw 12 cartoons by leading cartoonists such as Sudhir Tailang, Neelabh Banerjee and Jayanto Banerjee. The National Commission for Women (NCW) and UN Women supported the campaign to create greater awareness about women’s empowerment in India.

Placed strategically along the 26 kilometer-long crowded Delhi Line, the cartoons provide visual relief to commuters, while also informing them about basic issues. “Seeing the cartoon, I was inspired to reflect upon my own actions at home. I will ensure that I do a background check of the groom before marrying my sister,” said Rajesh, who commutes everyday to Tis Hazari Metro Station. On seeing the cartoon on domestic violence, Rajesh felt that every family should ensure that the women of the family feel extremely safe and secure.

The cartoons went with the tag line: “It’s time to change your attitude towards women.”

“Almost 17 lakh people use the Delhi Metro every day. So these informative cartoons attract attention and serve as public service messages, rooted in the daily experiences of women across India. They will help people reflect about things that they don’t reflect upon or take for granted,” said Anne F Stenhammer, Regional Programme Director, UN Women South Asia.

To see all 12 cartoons, please click here

Learn more about the work of UN Women in India

Read about the release of the report ‘Understanding Gender Equality in India‘, by UN Women and the National Commission for Women.