Pune Women Rally Against Gender-Based Violence in Powerful ‘Meri Raatein, Meri Sadkein!’ Protest to Mark Nirbhaya Case Anniversary

Reported by Siddhi Dharmadhikari
Pune, 16th December 2024: On Saturday, 14th December, women and girls from across Pune gathered for a powerful rally against gender-based violence, singing empowerment songs and raising slogans as part of the “Meri Raatein, Meri Sadkein” initiative. Organized by the Mahila Jagar Samiti, the rally marked the 12th anniversary of the Delhi Nirbhaya rape case and received an overwhelming response from the community.

The “Meri Raatein, Meri Sadkein” campaign, which began in September, aims to reclaim public spaces for women, asserting their right to walk freely and safely at all hours. The initiative, which has spread across multiple districts in Maharashtra, included various events held late at night on Pune’s footpaths, where women gathered to share stories, raise awareness, and stand in solidarity.

The statistics presented by the organizers were alarming: a rape occurs every 16 minutes in India, but the actual situation is far more dire. The campaign emphasizes the need for a society where women feel safe in all spaces—streets, buses, markets, and workplaces. The initiative seeks to break down the barriers that contribute to gender violence and create a safer, more equal environment for women.

The rally commenced with a tribute to social reformers Savitribai and Jyotiba Phule at Mahatma Phule Wada. MLA Nitin Raut, the chief guest of the event, expressed his support for the cause, promising to continue backing the Mahila Jagar Samiti in its future endeavors. The march passed through key areas, including Mase Ali, Fudgate Police Chowki, Bajirao Road, Shanipar Chowk, and Shaniwar Wada, with participants chanting slogans and presenting poems to amplify their message of women’s empowerment and safety.

The march concluded at Lal Mahal with a tribute to the statue of Rajmata Jijau, followed by a moment of silence for victims of gender violence. Participants lit candles as a symbolic act of defiance against darkness and injustice and sang “Hum Honge Kamyab” to express their collective resolve for a fear-free future.

The event saw the participation of groups like Gulabo Gang and Varasa Social Foundation, with several organizations actively supporting the cause. The organizers also launched specially designed T-shirts with slogans like “Stop Violence Against Women” and “Oye, Watch Your Gaze,” aimed at raising awareness about gender violence.

Shobha Karande from Saguna Mahila Sanghatana spoke about the need for equal opportunities for women, while Alka Joshi of Abhivyakti Sanstha stressed the importance of teaching respect for women in homes, particularly to young boys. Advocate Asunta Pardhe from Chetna Mahila Vikas Sanstha emphasized the importance of women speaking up against violence.

Shraddha RR, a representative of Mahila Jagar Samiti, shared with Punekar News, “Fear has become an everyday part of women’s lives. We organized seven nights on the road, where we shared our experiences of violence, danced, sang, and created art to break these barriers.”

“We ended the campaign with the rally to mark the 12th anniversary of the Nirbhaya case. We will continue to challenge patriarchy and ensure women’s rights are upheld as per the Constitution of India,” Shraddha added.

Social activist Mrunalini Vani highlighted the persistence of economic inequality and societal prejudices that continue to affect women, despite having platforms for expression. Ranjana Pasalkar expressed concern over the slow progress toward gender equality, despite India’s advancements in other areas. Priyanka Ranpise from Ojaswi Multi-Purpose Organization encouraged women to take initiative in every field, while Sharada Nitanaware from Kaurang Foundation stressed the importance of educating children on gender respect from an early age.

Jivika Uthda from the organizing committee stated that the campaign is designed to unite women, strengthen their voices, and reclaim their rightful space in society.

Social worker Prachi Dudhane called on women and girls to participate and overcome their fears. Neeta Rajput explained the efforts to involve self-help groups, college students, and women’s organizations in the movement.

This rally, marking the 12th anniversary of the Nirbhaya case, was more than a tribute—it was a statement of collective action against violence, a call for women to reclaim their spaces, and a resolute demand for equality and safety in society.