The Delhi Women’s Protest movement was launched on September 28 when hundreds of students from Delhi University came together in North Campus to protest against the security concerns that women face. This movement came into being following the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in Aastha Kunj Park, South Delhi.
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| Image Credit: The Hindustan Times |
DU Students March for Women’s Safety
The Delhi Women’s Protest took place at North Campus on Monday and lasted for almost two hours. The protest started at Miranda House and ended close to the statue of Swami Vivekananda at the Faculty of Arts.
The protestors carried banners and chanted slogans while pointing to issues like harassment, stalking, lack of proper road conditions, and insufficient safety infrastructure. This particular protest has been termed by the media as the third-largest of its kind at Delhi University in a week’s time.
As per The Indian Express, this protest march was arranged especially for women and queer participants. Students from colleges such as Miranda House, Kamala Nehru College, Lady Shri Ram College, and Gargi College have earlier joined such protests.
Why Are DU Students Protesting?
The Delhi Women’s Protest follows the reported gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in Aastha Kunj Park, situated close to Kalkaji. The incident has raised concerns among students about the safety of public spaces, particularly areas around colleges and paying guest accommodations. Students have spoken about poorly lit roads, harassment, stalking, and concerns about travelling after dark.
However, this is not the only reason why there have been protests. Some other students have stepped out to express their views about how they feel unsafe because of harassment and restrictions they face in their everyday lives. Some of the students expressed that their parents had put more restrictions on them following this incident. Other issues included street lights, police, and security on college campuses.
Students Demand Safer Public Spaces
One of the prominent issues highlighted during the Delhi Women's Protest is that of improved safety infrastructure. It has been highlighted that there is a lack of proper lighting on roads and lanes, as well as the need for more security at educational institutions.
The Students Union of Delhi University had already started a WhatsApp number where students could report such places through pictures with geographical locations attached to it. Students’ Body promised that it would bring these problems to the notice of concerned authorities so that necessary actions could be taken, like the installation of street lights and CCTV cameras wherever needed.
Protests Continue Across Delhi
This latest protest in North Campus is one of the protests that took place in other Delhi University colleges. There have been earlier reports of protests around Lady Shri Ram College, Kamala Nehru College, and Gargi College. Students have resorted to such protests in order to create safer public spaces.
Separately, a group of women also organized a midnight solidarity walk in the Kalkaji area on September 26. Around 60 women participated, while police personnel and PCR vans accompanied the walk.
Safety Concerns Gain Wider Attention
The Delhi Women’s Protest has highlighted the safety of women in Delhi, especially regarding public spaces and educational institutes. The students have complained about the safety issues that impact their day-to-day activities, such as travelling and venturing out at night. The demands made by them relate to infrastructure and safety in order for women to freely use public spaces.
The protests also come amid wider discussions about safety measures following recent cases of alleged sexual violence and harassment in Delhi-NCR.
Conclusion
The Delhi Women's Protest at Delhi University has brought to light the issues that concern the students regarding women’s safety, harassment, and the state of the surrounding environment. Hundreds of students marched through North Campus demanding improved infrastructure and security.
Protests have been carried out in different parts of the university because of the Kalkaji incident. It is clear that there is now some pressure on the authorities and the students' unions concerning the issues of lighting and security.
Author: Saurabh
Saurabh is a content writer intern at RA News Updates, based in Faridabad, Delhi NCR. He covers news, politics, and current affairs, focusing on delivering clear, accurate, and informative content. He holds an MA in Political Science from IGNOU and a BA in Political Science from PGDAV College, University of Delhi. He is also HubSpot-certified in SEO and content marketing.