23 hrs ago
Delhi University Students Intensify Women’s Safety Protests After Kalkaji Gang-Rape
Students at Delhi University held protests about women’s safety.
The demonstrations followed the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl in Kalkaji.
Women and queer students from several colleges joined the marches.
They said women should be able to walk outside without being told to stay indoors.
They asked the government to take responsibility for sexual-violence cases.
They also demanded strict action against people accused of rape.
Their signs said that girls’ locations should not be monitored instead of checking men’s behavior.
Students used serious messages, jokes and rhymes to make their concerns visible.
Some slogans also referred to the 2012 Delhi gang-rape and murder case.
Students from several Delhi University colleges intensified protests after the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old near Aastha Kunj Park in Kalkaji.
Hundreds gathered at the Faculty of Arts on September 28 before marching through North Campus, with reports describing thousands at the larger march.
Women and queer students demanded government accountability, strict action against alleged perpetrators and safer public spaces.
Protesters rejected restrictions on women’s clothing, movements, schedules or locations, arguing that perpetrators—not women—should face consequences.
Creative slogans including “Hum Auratein Azaad Hain,” “Abort Patriarchy” and “Rapist ko andar karo, ladkiyon ko nahi” spread widely online.
- Who
- Women and queer students from Delhi University colleges, including Miranda House, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Gargi College, Kamala Nehru College and Shyama Prasad Mukherji College for Women.
- What
- They held women-led marches and demonstrations demanding safety, accountability and freedom from restrictions imposed on women.
- Where
- At Delhi University, including the Faculty of Arts and North Campus; the incident prompting the protests occurred near Aastha Kunj Park in Kalkaji, Delhi.
- When
- The protests intensified after the alleged gang-rape earlier in the month; hundreds gathered at the Faculty of Arts on September 28.
- Why
- Students wanted the government to improve women’s safety and punish alleged perpetrators rather than restrict women’s movements.
Key facts
- Incident prompting protests
- The alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl near Aastha Kunj Park in Kalkaji, Delhi
- Major protest date
- September 28
- Main locations
- Delhi University’s Faculty of Arts and North Campus
- Participating colleges
- Shyama Prasad Mukherji College for Women, Miranda House, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Kamala Nehru College and Gargi College
- Central slogan
- “Hum Auratein Azaad Hain”
- Primary demands
- Government accountability, strict action against alleged perpetrators and safer public spaces
- Historical reference
- The 2012 Delhi gang-rape and murder case
Quotes
Delhi University student protesters
Women and queer students participating in the Delhi University protests
“We are here out on the streets for our safety. If girls were safe here, a gang rape would not have happened in Kalkaji. Till when will we stay indoors? Why should we be confined to our homes?”
thestatesman.com
“We want the government to take responsibility for all the rape cases. Why can’t we go outside? Being able to walk safely outside is our right, and we are here to demand it.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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