GURGAON: Nine days after the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, over 700 people, including 50-60 doctors, gathered in Gurgaon to participate in a candlelight march. The march was a powerful statement against the continuous threat to women’s safety, despite the outcry that followed the 2012 Nirbhaya rape and murder case.
“We are not asking for protection, all we’re asking for is our safety,” one participant said during the march, held under the dim light of the moon. The sentiments echoed by many participants reflected a deep sense of anger and frustration. “It makes me scared and angry that even after what happened in 2012, we are still fighting for justice. These crimes keep happening,” said a young woman, her voice filled with both fear and determination. “Why must my dreams have pre-conditions?”
The march saw doctors, ordinary citizens, the young, the old, women, and men, all united in their anger towards the governments at both the Centre and state levels for their failure to provide basic safety for women. Whether on the street, at workplaces, in colleges, or even in their own homes, the sense of vulnerability was palpable.
“We want justice,” read one of the posters carried by the protesters. Another doctor remarked, “We came together before as well, in bigger numbers, but nothing came of it. This time, we want to say enough is enough. We must keep putting pressure on the authorities.”
Many protesters accused the police of lacking support, citing instances where officers did not take complaints of harassment or assault seriously. Concerns were also raised about the enormous backlog of cases, the low conviction rates, and the inadequacies in police response.
“There has to be fast-track courts to ensure women get speedy justice in such cases,” demanded a young protester. A particularly striking placard had the words “protect your daughter” crossed out and replaced with “educate your son,” emphasizing the need for societal change.
The 2012 Delhi gang rape case was a recurring theme in the slogans and chants, reminding everyone of the promises that remain unfulfilled. “We have failed this generation of girls. And I am sorry for that,” lamented one woman. “We have not done enough to ensure they grow up in a world where their security is not compromised, one where they can follow their dreams.”
However, amidst the sorrow and frustration, hope was still alive. “The reason we organized this march was because we believe that someday, something will change when it comes to women’s safety,” said Samita Halder, the chief organizer of ‘Women, Reclaim the Night.’ “Why should we fear going out?”
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