Protests Highlight Women's Safety Issues Amid Harassment Reports

Recent protests across various cities in Europe and Asia have brought to light significant concerns regarding women's safety, with multiple incidents of harassment reported during demonstrations aimed at advocating for women's rights. These events have sparked discussions about the effectiveness of such protests in creating a safe environment for women.

Southern Daily Echo

On September 1, 2025, feminist group Dolle Mina organized "We Claim the Night" marches in cities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht to raise awareness about women's safety following the murder of 17-year-old Lisa from Abcoude. Despite the large turnout, reports emerged of women being sexually harassed during the marches. Dolle Mina's Limburg faction urged victims to come forward, detailing incidents of verbal abuse and physical harassment. Nynke van Zwol, a spokesperson for the organization, noted that even in large crowds, women were not safe, with specific incidents reported in cities like Groningen and Eindhoven.

Women sexually harassed during protests for safer streetsSouthern Daily EchoThe Straits TimesBihar Bandh Turns Violent: Female Teacher Assaulted After Questioning BJP ProtestNCW chief cautions Maratha quota protesters against harassing women journalistsProvost to nightguard: Different faces, same disregard for womenJCD protests gang-rape threat, Shibir candidate hits backRSF Urges Indonesian President Prabowo to Protect Journalists Amid Protests

In Southampton, a collective of women expressed their concerns regarding anti-immigration protests led by the "Southampton Patriots." They criticized the protests for creating an environment of intimidation rather than safety, particularly for women. The protesters reportedly shouted obscene demands at women, including those wearing hijabs, which the collective deemed unacceptable. They called for local authorities to intervene, arguing that the protests weaponized the narrative of women's protection while subjecting them to harassment.

Southern Daily EchoProvost to nightguard: Different faces, same disregard for womenThe Straits TimesNCW chief cautions Maratha quota protesters against harassing women journalistsBihar Bandh Turns Violent: Female Teacher Assaulted After Questioning BJP ProtestRape threat against writ petitioner sparks fresh protests at DURSF Urges Indonesian President Prabowo to Protect Journalists Amid ProtestsJCD protests gang-rape threat, Shibir candidate hits back

In Mumbai, the National Commission for Women (NCW) addressed complaints of harassment against women journalists covering the Maratha quota protests. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar emphasized that the right to protest should not infringe upon the rights of journalists. Reports indicated that women journalists faced physical harassment, including being pushed and having their equipment forcibly taken. Rahatkar urged protestors to respect the rights of journalists and ensure that their actions do not cause distress.

NCW chief cautions Maratha quota protesters against harassing women journalistsRSF Urges Indonesian President Prabowo to Protect Journalists Amid ProtestsSouthern Daily EchoProvost to nightguard: Different faces, same disregard for womenBihar Bandh Turns Violent: Female Teacher Assaulted After Questioning BJP ProtestRape threat against writ petitioner sparks fresh protests at DUJCD protests gang-rape threat, Shibir candidate hits back

At Dhaka University, protests erupted in response to a gang-rape threat directed at a female student involved in student union elections. The threat, made by a student identified as Ali Husen, led to widespread outrage and demands for accountability from the university administration. The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal announced further protests across educational institutions, highlighting ongoing issues of harassment and intimidation faced by female students.

Rape threat against writ petitioner sparks fresh protests at DU

These incidents across different regions underscore a troubling trend of harassment and intimidation during protests that are ostensibly aimed at advocating for women's rights. The protests have raised questions about the effectiveness of such movements in ensuring women's safety and have prompted calls for more robust measures to protect women from harassment, both in public spaces and during organized events.

Southern Daily Echo

Dolle Mina has expressed its commitment to collecting reports of harassment and considering police involvement. The NCW in India has called for respect towards journalists, emphasizing the need for peaceful protests that do not infringe on others' rights. In Southampton, local women have urged authorities to take action against the "Southampton Patriots," arguing that their protests contradict their stated aim of protecting women.

Southern Daily Echo

• “During the night, we were surrounded, touched, assaulted, spat upon, verbally abused, catcalled, and chased by men. The night was not safe,” — Dolle Mina

Women sexually harassed during protests for safer streets

• “To weaponize the language of women’s protection while subjecting women to threats and sexual harassment is not only hypocritical but profoundly dangerous.” — Anonymous Southampton Collective

Southern Daily Echo

• “ She said, “It is wrong to give such trouble to journalists and cameramen who are carrying out their work, day and night in the rain.” — Vijaya Rahatkar, NCW Chairperson

NCW chief cautions Maratha quota protesters against harassing women journalists

While many reports highlight the harassment faced by women during protests, specific details regarding the number of incidents and the responses from authorities vary. The effectiveness of measures taken to address these issues remains unclear, with ongoing discussions about the need for systemic changes to ensure women's safety during public demonstrations.

Southern Daily Echo