Guwahati, Oct 13: Witty slogans, pointed messages and a collective call for women’s safety and equality marked a protest against violence and patriarchy at Nehru Park on Cotton University Road, on Tuesday.
Organised by “Women Against Violence”, the demonstration brought together a large number of people, including men, women and members of the transgender and third-gender communities, who raised concerns over violence against women, their freedom and representation, and their security in public spaces.
Reflecting a growing trend of using humour to drive home serious messages at protests across the country, participants carried placards that challenged patriarchal attitudes with sharp, often irreverent slogans.
“Yes, I know how to cook; Next dish Patriarchy”, “No more violence, no more silence” and “Raati Amar, Rajpath Amar” were among the messages that drew attention to the protesters’ demands for safety, freedom and equality.
“Women’s safety is not the responsibility of any one individual; it is a concern for the entire community. The police should stand with us and support our demand for women’s security instead of restraining us from protesting,” a participant said.
A group of women with placards at the entrance of Nehru Park. (Photo:Kangkan Bordoloi)
The demonstration also highlighted concerns over the deletion of women’s names from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise across the state, alongside rising crimes against women and the broader struggle for equal rights.
The mysterious death of 20-year-old Himashree Boro was another key concern raised at the protest, bringing renewed attention to questions surrounding women’s rights and security.
Another protester stressed that women must be able to move freely and safely, irrespective of the time or place, while expressing concern over attempts to discredit those who speak out against injustice.
“There have been attempts to assassinate the character of women who have been protesting at Jantar Mantar and in different parts of the country, and some of them have also faced assaults. We must stand together and raise our voices to ensure women’s safety and dignity,” she said.
Police maintained a tight security cordon around the protest site as participants assembled to press their demands.
A mild scuffle broke out later in the evening, with protesters urging the police, most of whom were women, to stand in solidarity with them and support the causes they were raising.