At city mall, comfort meets cause with new women-centric initiatives

A new women-centric initiative has been launched in Kolkata's Acropolis Mall, introducing a dedicated ‘SHE Parking Zone’—a safe, accessible, and well-marked parking space exclusively for women drivers. Complementing this is a thoughtful hygiene programme that links every sanitary napkin purchase to the education of girl children, creating a cycle of empowerment rooted in safety, dignity, and social impact. Together, these twin initiatives reflect a growing commitment toward building gender-inclusive spaces while driving meaningful community change. They aim to make everyday experiences safer and more comfortable for women, while helping young girls stay in school through improved access to hygiene and education. The initiatives were unveiled by Bidisha Kalita, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Suburban Division, Kolkata Police, alongside actress Sonalee Chaudhuri, who lauded the mall’s efforts to blend convenience with compassion. Located in the upper basement parking bay, the SHE Parking Zone stands out in shades of pearly purple—complete with colour-coded zebra crossings for easy navigation. The initial phase accommodates 10 two-wheelers and two four-wheelers, supported by trained staff to assist women drivers. Plans are in motion to expand the facility based on response and feedback. To further enhance convenience, the mall is also integrating FASTag-based contactless payment systems, ensuring a seamless parking experience for women on the go. Adding to its socially responsible footprint, the mall has also rolled out sanitary napkin dispensing and disposal machines under the “Wish Care” programme in collaboration with Funsmart Knowledge Solutions Foundation. Every sanitary napkin purchased contributes ₹5 toward the education of underprivileged girl children, transforming a daily necessity into a gesture of empowerment. The sanitary disposal units are designed according to WHO standards, ensuring safe and eco-friendly decomposition, with bins replaced every 30 days using fresh bacterial cultures. This initiative extends across the mall’s premises, including office spaces—marking a first for any mall in eastern India. Expressing her appreciation, Bidisha Kalita, IPS, remarked, “It’s heartening to see such holistic thinking around women’s safety and hygiene. The idea that something as simple as a vending machine can fund a child’s education is truly inspiring.” Subhadip Basu, Corporate General Manager – Retail & Hospitality, Merlin Group, added, “The SHE Parking initiative offers women a secure, well-managed environment and reflects our broader vision to make urban spaces more inclusive and comfortable.”