Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday backed student-led protests demanding greater safety for women and urged young women, particularly those from Gen Z, to participate more actively. In a post on X, Gandhi said women should not face restrictions because of crimes committed against them and called for safer public spaces and stronger action against those responsible for offences.
Gandhi argued that the response to crimes against women should not involve limiting their freedom or asking them to remain indoors. He said public spaces must be made safer and that authorities should take swift action against those who commit offences. He also criticised what he described as a system that places restrictions on women rather than addressing the behaviour of perpetrators.
His remarks came amid protests by Delhi University students following the alleged gangrape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park in south Delhi earlier this month. Students have been raising concerns about the safety of women around university campuses and during daily travel. Their demands have included improved security measures, better surveillance and stronger policing in areas used by students.
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The first major demonstration was held on September 23, when more than 200 students from Delhi University and affiliated institutions participated. Students from institutions including Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Miranda House, Gargi College and Dr BR Ambedkar University joined the protest. Students and faculty members raised concerns over harassment near campuses and the safety of women travelling to and from educational institutions.
The demonstrations continued in the following days. On September 25, hundreds of women students marched near Delhi University's South Campus, calling for safer public spaces and stronger action against sexual harassment. The protesters were later moved from Siri Fort Road to Arun Jaitley Park as police were deployed in the area.
Another demonstration was held on Monday at the Faculty of Arts, where hundreds of Delhi University students, mainly women and queer participants, took part. Protesters raised concerns over poorly lit roads, safety during daily commutes and restrictions imposed on women in the name of security. The continuing demonstrations have kept women's safety and access to public spaces at the centre of discussions among students and the university community.
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