Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Meghalaya Women Protest Rising Violence and Patriarchal Attitudes
Women gathered in Meghalaya to speak out about safety and fairness.
They said women face harassment and violence at home and in public.
They also said women should be able to choose what to wear without being blamed or mistreated.
The protesters argued that being a matrilineal society does not mean women are free from unfair treatment.
They said some cases of harassment and violence may not be reported.
National Crime Records Bureau figures cited in the report show 658 crimes against women were registered in Meghalaya in 2024.
That was more than the 628 cases registered in 2023.
The protesters want people to talk openly about these problems and support women’s rights.
Women protested in Meghalaya against crimes targeting women, domestic violence, harassment and patriarchal attitudes.
Demonstrators said the state’s matrilineal identity does not guarantee equality or protect women from gender-based violence.
Protesters called for women’s freedom to dress without facing unwanted attention, harassment or violence.
National Crime Records Bureau data cited in the report shows 658 crimes against women were registered in Meghalaya in 2024, up from 628 in 2023.
The reported crime rate against women was 38.9 per cent, and the charge-sheeting rate was 72.1 per cent.
- Who
- Women protesters, including citizens who said they were not part of an organisation; senior journalist Patricia Mukhim also expressed support.
- What
- A protest against crimes against women, domestic violence, harassment and patriarchal attitudes.
- When
- The article does not specify the date of the protest.
- Where
- Meghalaya; a protester specifically discussed women’s safety in Shillong.
- Why
- Protesters said women face gender-based violence and harassment despite Meghalaya’s matrilineal identity, and that these problems can remain unreported.
- Crimes against women registered in 2024
- 658 cases in Meghalaya, according to National Crime Records Bureau data cited in the article.
- Crimes against women registered in 2023
- 628 cases in Meghalaya.
- Reported crime rate against women
- 38.9 per cent.
- Reported charge-sheeting rate
- 72.1 per cent.
- Issues raised
- Public safety, domestic violence, harassment, missing women, underreporting and freedom to dress.
- Protesters’ message
- Meghalaya’s matrilineal identity does not mean gender-based violence and patriarchal attitudes are absent.