‘No Place for Fear in Delhi’: Rekha Gupta Calls for Stronger Women’s Safety Measures

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday stressed the need for stronger measures to ensure women’s safety, saying restrictions should not be imposed only on girls and that boys must also be taught about respect, responsibility and consent.

Addressing students at the diamond jubilee function of Maitreyi College under the ‘Parampara Se Pragati’ programme, Gupta said families and society often respond to incidents involving women by placing restrictions on girls. She questioned why similar attention was not given to educating boys about appropriate behaviour.

“Why only on girls? What about the boys?” Gupta said, stressing that boys must understand that “no means no.” She also urged girls and women to prioritise themselves and their personal growth rather than always putting the needs of their families first.

Her remarks came amid renewed concerns over women’s safety in the national capital following the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park on September 21. The incident has also triggered protests and renewed scrutiny of security arrangements around public spaces.

The Supreme Court on September 28 took suo motu cognisance of several recent sexual-assault cases in Delhi-NCR, raising concerns about the safety of women and children in public spaces. The court said parks, roads and other public areas cannot become high-risk zones because of inadequate lighting, surveillance or patrolling.

Gupta said Delhi’s administration must ensure that vulnerable locations have adequate lighting, cameras and security personnel. She also called for cases involving women and girls to be expedited so that justice is delivered quickly.

Emphasising accountability, the Chief Minister said those involved in wrongdoing would face strict action. She expressed solidarity with women and girls and said her government would work to ensure that Delhi becomes a city where women can move freely without fear.

Gupta also recalled her own journey, saying she had never imagined as a student that she would one day become Delhi’s Chief Minister. She urged young women to believe in themselves and contribute to the country’s progress.