Women Protest in India Despite Heavy Rain

Even torrential rain could not silence their voices of protest. With handwritten posters in their hands, open umbrellas over their heads and a single slogan on their lips: “Hum leke rahenge azadi” (We will win our freedom), women held a massive protest march at Delhi University (DU) campus on Monday, September 29, demanding women’s safety and freedom following the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Astha Kunj Park in Delhi.

Organised under the banner “Hum Auratein Azad Hain” (We women are free), the protest saw female students from various colleges of the university and members of the queer community joining in solidarity.

The protesters gathered at Gate No. 7 of the Arts Faculty of Delhi University at 3pm on Monday. From there, the procession moved along the road opposite Daulat Ram College and ended at the foot of the Swami Vivekananda statue. Despite the rain becoming heavier, the protesters’ enthusiasm did not diminish. Many continued chanting slogans and holding their placards high even as they were drenched in rain.

Ms. Sparshika, a student of Hansraj College who took part in the protest, said her parents had asked her not to attend the march citing security concerns. However, she hung up the phone and came to the protest. She said, “We only want the basic right to move around freely. If I do not stand up today, our children will have to suffer even more in the future.”

Another student, Ms. Shefali, said, “It is completely unfair to blame crimes on women’s clothing or the time they go out. When young children become victims of abuse, what do they do to provoke it?”

Male students were also seen attending the protest in solidarity with the women. Mr. Sahil, a student of Kitori Mall College, said, “Women must not be forced to adjust themselves to an unsafe environment. Why should they have to check the time before going outside? To solve the problem, the mindset at its root needs to change.”

The organisers made it clear that no racist, sexist or offensive slogans or banners would be tolerated at the protest site. AI-generated posters were also not allowed to be used there.

Even as the afternoon turned into evening, women continued to gather at the foot of the Vivekananda statue and voice their demands, stressing that safety should not come with conditions; the rights to freedom and security must be ensured simultaneously.

Source: TOI