Fri Apr 25 11:55:00 UTC 2025: ## Bengaluru Woman’s ‘No Agenda Space’ Sparks Nationwide Movement of Safe Havens for Women
**Bengaluru, India – April 25, 2025** – A simple act of offering a quiet space for women to simply “be” has ignited a nationwide movement across India. Meghna Chaudhury, a Bengaluru therapist-in-training, opened her home as a “No Agenda Space” in January, providing a refuge where women and non-binary individuals can work, relax, or simply exist without pressure to socialize or perform. The initiative, initially shared on social media, quickly gained traction, with dozens of women seeking the respite.
The space offers a haven from the pressures of modern life, particularly for women who often bear the brunt of emotional and physical labor in various settings. Chaudhury’s initiative emphasizes the absence of hosting duties, aiming to create a space free from the expectations placed on women to constantly cater to others. A small contribution now covers expenses.
Chaudhury’s concept is not entirely novel. Indu Antony created a similar space, “Namma Katte,” in Bengaluru in 2021, focusing on providing a safe, free space for women, particularly in light of rising domestic violence cases. Antony highlights the socio-economic disparity between initiatives like Chaudhury’s and those serving underprivileged women, emphasizing the need for inclusivity.
Inspired by Chaudhury’s success, similar “No Agenda Spaces” are emerging across India, from Mumbai to Hyderabad. These spaces offer diverse benefits, including a quiet workspace for entrepreneurs, a safe place for those with ADHD or autism, and a supportive environment for women grappling with personal challenges.
The movement underscores a growing need for safe, low-pressure environments for women amidst the pressures of urban life and gendered expectations. The success of these initiatives shows the power of simple acts of creating spaces where women can simply exist without societal pressures.
First Piper 