She was 23,
with dreams of being a doctor but three weeks ago, she was gang raped by six
men, savagely beaten and thrown out of a moving bus in Delhi. Last week,
the still unnamed woman who has become “India’s daughter”, died of her injuries
in hospital.
Namita Bhandare
knows the constant fear that goes with living in Delhi, nicknamed India’s “rape
capital”. Like others, she long believed that nothing would change. But the
outpouring of anger and sadness now has convinced her that this could be
a turning point for women like her.
The tragedy has
sparked vigils and protests, and over 100,000 Indians have already signed
Namita's petition to the Indian President and Government. As the story
reverberates around the world, being covered by every major news
outlet, there's a chance for people in the UK to stand alongside women
in India and help show the Indian Government that its international reputation
is on the line if it fails to act.
The story of
“India’s daughter” has sparked deep grief and fury across India. Grief for her
horrifying ordeal, and fury that politicians have ignored the huge problem of
rape and sexual violence against women for so long.
According
to crime statistics, a woman is raped every 22 minutes, and most rapists are
never prosecuted. Women are often blamed for their own rapes, police
refuse to hear reports from victims, and some women report being harassed by the
very authorities they hope will protect them.
Politicians are
being faced with some uncomfortable truths. But Namita says that unless
people seize this moment of national consciousness, the chance to change
anything will slip away. That’s why she’s asking for global support to
show the world is watching.
Thanks for
being a part of this,
Katherine and
the Change.org team
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