SFI holds protest, Demands Safer University Campuses: Memorandum to Delhi University VC, DCW

On 22nd March 2024, a female student was brutally stabbed multiple times in Hudson Lane, North Campus of Delhi University. 

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) Delhi organized a demonstration termed "Mashaal Juloos: Hum Gunehgar Auratein" aimed to underscore the urgent need for gender justice and safety measures within educational institutions.

On 22nd March 2024, a female student was brutally stabbed multiple times in Hudson Lane, North Campus of Delhi University. SFI has alleged that despite being a repeated offender of harassment, stalking, and catcalling, the perpetrator was released on bail shortly after his arrest, leaving the local community in a state of fear and apprehension.

The Mashaal Juloos witnessed turnout of students from various universities, who united to demand concrete actions to ensure the safety of women on and off campus. Aditi, a master's student from the University of Delhi, condemned the ineffectiveness of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) in handling harassment cases, emphasizing the urgent need for institutional reforms.

SFI Delhi, along with the SFI Women's Subcommittee and the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), announced a comprehensive memorandum to be submitted to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi and the Delhi Women's Commission. The memorandum outlines seven key demands aimed at fostering a safer environment for women:

Institution of GSCASH (Gender Sensitization Committee Against Sexual Harassment): SFI Delhi demands the reinstatement of GSCASH to address and prevent instances of sexual harassment within educational institutions.

Expansion of Gender Sensitization Programs: The organization calls for an increase in gender sensitization and awareness programs not only within campuses but also in surrounding localities to promote a culture of respect and equality.

Enhanced Promotion of Women's Helplines: SFI urges college authorities to advocate for better advertising of women's helpline numbers and ensure swift response to distress calls.

Immediate Safety Audit: The administration is urged to conduct a thorough safety audit in student areas, prioritizing the installation and maintenance of streetlights to deter potential offenders.

Consistent Patrolling by Female Officers: SFI demands the implementation of regular patrols by PCR vans staffed with female officers to ensure the safety of women, especially during vulnerable hours.

Installation of CCTV Cameras: Functional CCTV cameras should be installed in campus areas outside colleges, with a focus on using technology to identify and apprehend perpetrators rather than increasing surveillance of the student community.

Priority Allocation of Women's Hostels: Given the rise in unsafe spaces outside campuses, SFI stresses the need for the immediate provision of women's hostels to ensure secure accommodation for female students.