Rape: Men in shorts spread awareness
NEW DELHI: Boys and men associated with Rape Roko movement marched on Tuesday without their shirts, in their boxer shorts to give a message to the society that clothes do not cause rape, sick mentality does. Marching with boards and placards, “Her clothes are not short, your mentality is” and “What clothes was the 8-month-old baby wearing?” the volunteers in a unique manner challenged the mindsets who tend to shame the survivors.
Hundreds of boys participated in the rally and dared the system. Abhishek, a student of Delhi University said, "I am walking half naked but society allows me to. If a girl walks in a sleeveless top, men letch at her. This is not right." Arjun Joshi, a working professional, participated in the rally. Paint on his body stated that 'Real Men don't rape'.
Many girls were also there in support of the boys and men. They said that no matter how many clothes they wear or not wear, they constantly feel unsafe in the Capital. The youth displayed anger against the silence of society and government on rapes and appealed to the people to join the movement and reach Central Park, Connaught Place at 9:30 am on 8 March for a peaceful human chain formation. They demanded strong action against rapists and completion of trials in case of sexual assault in 6 months.
"Rape Roko movement's strength is its volunteers. They are campaigning for bringing about a change in the system as well as mindsets and need to be supported," said Swati Maliwal, the Chairperson of DCW.
In support of Raperoko movement, Yogeshwar Dutt –Olympic medalist wrestler –also joined the rally. He said that we all need to come together to fight such evil. "All our countrymen, all good people who respect their sisters, mothers, wives should come out & support #Raperoko movement as today the victim maybe someone else but tomorrow it may be our sister or mother too," he said.