I need your help. Two young girls were hanged from a tree after being gang raped in the fields outside their home in India and a minister from the ruling party just responded by saying that rape "is a social crime ... sometimes it's right, sometimes it's wrong."
It's disgusting! But this isn't an isolated incident. I’ve been attacked in front of senior policemen and nothing was done. I know the system is totally failing India’s women. But together I think we can change it.
My country’s new leader ran on the promise of rebuilding the holy city, Varanasi, where he was elected, as a major tourist hub. If we build a millions-strong global call for the protection of women and plaster it all over Prime Minister Modi's city, he'll be forced to act to save his tourism plan.
An ad campaign like this has never happened before in India. But this is a national crisis and it requires drastic action. Sign now -- let’s get two million people to demand Modi protects India’s girls and women:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/womanifesto_modi_loc/?bEESPab&v=40699
When the 14 and 15 year old girls went missing, one girl's dad went to the police and fell in front of them on his hands and knees pleading for them to do something. They laughed at him and told him to go home. This appalling police inaction happens to countless families across India that face this horror. After the international furore, five guys were finally arrested and two police officers have been dismissed. But every 22 minutes someone is raped in India and the police, the judiciary, and even ministers are failingus!
Before the elections a massive movement was building to get urgent action to stop violence against women. Experts drafted a Womanifesto -- a common sense plan for urgently needed reforms to stop the rape epidemic. It covers law, policing, medical and psychological support, and crucially -- public education. Other major parties signed up to it, but Modi ignored it.
Even Modi's staff agree with most of the plan. Now we just need him to put it into action.
So far, Modi has said nothing about his party colleague’s outrageous insult, but India’s President has claimed this new government 'will have a policy of zero tolerance for violence against women.' Let's build a massive petition and boldly plaster Varanasi with billboards calling for this promise to urgently become an action plan. Sign up now:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/womanifesto_modi_loc/?bEESPab&v=40699
The shock of seeing this photo can paralyse us with sadness, or it can spur us into action. Women across my country are demanding an end to this rape culture and are fighting to achieve equality and safety for all. Please stand with us now to end this violence!
With hope,
Alaphia, with the Avaaz team
More Information:
India state minister on rape: ‘Sometimes it’s right, sometimes it’s wrong’
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/05/india-state-minister-rape-crimes-comment
Another girl found hanging in Uttar Pradesh. Rape attempt on judge
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-another-girl-found-hanging-in-uttar-pradesh-rape-attempt-on-judge-1993315
Modi unveils ‘Five Ts’: BJP’s PM candidate says Talent, Tourism, Tech, Trade and Tradition are the watchwords for India’s future
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2542285/Modi-unveils-Five-Ts-BJPs-PM-candidate-says-Talent-Tourism-Tech-Trade-Tradition-watchwords-Indias-future.html
Horrified at reports of violence against women in India: US on Badaun Rape case
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/horrified-at-reports-of-violence-against-women-in-india-us-on-badaun-rape-case-535671
Police Use Water Cannons On Women In India Protesting Rape
http://thinkprogress.org/world/2014/06/02/3443632/photos-police-use-water-cannons-on-women-in-india-...
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