31 Jul Yuva Spark: Voices for Safe Public Spaces
In a vibrant city like Jaipur, known for its colour, culture, and youthful energy, something often goes unnoticed — safe spaces for young people. Places where they can speak openly, share without judgment, and simply be themselves.
Young people are among the most frequent users of public spaces. They travel through streets, hang out in parks, visit markets and monuments. But these spaces often don’t feel like they belong to them. The streets are crowded but not always welcoming. Parks have benches but not always a sense of comfort or connection. Safety, in this case, isn’t just about lighting or police presence. It’s about emotional safety, and the freedom to express.
One Question, Many Echoes
Aayushi, a student full of energy and aspirations, always eager to grow and explore her city. But she often found herself hesitating to access certain public spaces alone not because they were physically closed off, but because of the subtle yet powerful perception of unsafety that surrounded them. It wasn’t just her; many young people, especially girls, faced similar restrictions that shaped how they moved through the city. Her reflections deepened during her engagement with the Cities for Youth program run by Safetipin, where she began to look at public spaces differently.
Even after the program, these thoughts stayed with her. She noticed how time, context, and gender influenced the way young people experienced their city. Wanting to dig deeper, she shared her observations with two close friends Divyansh, an MBA aspirant, and Rahul, a young professional.
Together, they started asking questions to other young people
“Where in your city do you feel unsafe — and why?”
The trio started with a simple question that sparked powerful responses. They listened closely and heard stories that had long remained unspoken.They recognized a shared need — for spaces where young people could express themselves, feel safe, and be heard.
With support from Safetipin and Pravah, they launched Yuva Spark — an initiative by young people, for young people . A platform where voices rise, stories are shared, and public spaces are reimagined with care, inclusion, and youth leadership at the center.
Listening First: Building Through Conversations
Guided by the belief that real change begins with listening, the Yuva Spark team reached out to young people, local communities, and civil society organizations across Jaipur. Through conversations and group discussions, they engaged with over 300 youth, collecting powerful stories and lived experiences.
“Girls told us which streets they avoid. Boys told us where they mask their emotions. Everyone had something to say — once they felt safe enough to share.”
Reclaiming Space: young voices amplified
Yuva Spark took its conversations beyond closed rooms and into the open reclaiming public spaces through creative, youth-led events. Each event was designed to engage youth at different moments of their daily routines.
‘Ek Subah Aisi Bhi’ – A Morning of Expression – unfolded at Patrika Gate and Toran Dwar a platform for artistic expression, open conversations, and quiet reflection.
‘Ek Shaam Aisi Bhi’ – An Evening of Togetherness – brought warmth to Dwarkadas Park, with music and storytelling turning strangers into listeners and sparking spontaneous connections.
‘Ek Raat Aisi Bhi’ – A Night of Visibility – took place at the iconic Hawa Mahal, where youth led a Night Heritage Walk and conducted Safety Audits using My Safetipin App, transforming fear into awareness by highlighting poorly lit areas, harassment-prone zones, and the need for safer public environments especially at night.
“When we created this space, we realised — our peers enjoyed it even more than we did. It gave them a platform to express themselves freely.”
These open-space dialogues weren’t just symbolic; they became powerful reminders that public spaces belong to everyone, and young people have every right to shape and share them.
Breaking Limitations: Building a Digital Space
Knowing not everyone could join in person, the team created a digital echo. Through videos, reels, reflections, and visual storytelling, they brought their movement online.The Yuva Spark Instagram and WhatsApp community became more than just a gallery — it became a space of
belonging, where stories resonated and voices multiplied.
“Yuva Spark wasn’t just about speaking.
It is about being heard — and feeling safe enough to speak in the first place.”
The spark they lit is now a steady flame — of courage, creativity, and community. But for this fire to spread, they need continued support. Yuva Spark is not just a celebration of youth voice — it’s a reminder to all of us: when young people are trusted and given space, they don’t just imagine change — they lead it.
For more details and updates on many such projects and Cities for Youth, visit Cities For Youth website and follow us on Instagram @cfy_rajasthan
