In the wake of a disturbing series of recent sexual assaults across India’s capital, hundreds of women have taken to the streets of New Delhi to demand greater safety, systemic change and accountability from local authorities.
The demonstration, which was covered on the ground by BBC correspondent Azadeh Moshiri, highlights long-simmering public anger over persistent gender-based violence in the national capital, a region that has repeatedly drawn international scrutiny for its high rates of assault against women.
Protesters gathered at key public intersections, carrying hand-painted signs calling for faster legal action against perpetrators, improved street lighting in high-risk neighborhoods, and meaningful police reform to address what many activists describe as a culture of indifference to survivors’ reports. The rally comes after multiple high-profile sexual assault cases made headlines in local media over the past two weeks, reigniting widespread public conversation about the gaps in protection for women and girls across the city.
While the protest remained largely peaceful, participants made clear that their demonstrations will continue until tangible policy shifts are implemented to reduce the risk of gender-based violence and improve support for survivors.