People's Democracy

Women Stage Dharna In Capital

ANGERED by the recent spate of rape cases in the capital city of Delhi, several activists of the Janawadi Mahila Samiti (AIDWA, Delhi), NFIW and YWCA staged a protest demonstration in front of the police headquarters on August 27 and gave a memorandum to the Commissioner of Police.

Addressing the demonstrators, Subhashini Ali, AIDWA president pointed out that the crimes against women are constantly increasing. This, she said, was happening due to the growing consumerist culture which is promoted by the processes of globalisation. Women are seen as objects of consumption which has to be acquired by all means. She also indicated that the projection of women in media by way of advertisements or serials greatly contributes to the growing insensitivity and indifference towards women by the society as a whole.

Added to this is the police apathy towards crimes against women which has created a deep sense of insecurity amongst women. The recent cases of rape and sexual violence have shown that the police responds indifferently either by not registering or by delaying the registration. Subhashini Ali said that it is highly condemnable that even senior police officials themselves have been involved in a series of cases of crimes like rape and murder of women.

Ashalata, secretary AIDWA, Kalindi Deshpande AIDWA treasurer, Shyamkali NFIW, Pramila Pandhe, vice president of AIDWA also addressed the demonstration. The speakers also appealed to the citizens of Delhi to take a proactive stand when they witness any such crime and come forward courageously in support of the victim.

Earlier in a statement the JMS said the latest case of reported sexual assault on an 85 year old woman of Sangam Vihar speaks volumes about the extent to which the criminal activities have reached in the national capital. It is also indicative of total collapse of law and order machinery, felt the JMS.