New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta Wednesday said ensuring women’s safety cannot be reduced to imposing restrictions on girls and called for greater focus on the behaviour and upbringing of boys. She also stressed the responsibility of the police, civic agencies and courts in making the capital safer.Addressing the diamond jubilee celebrations of Maitreyi College, Gupta said recent incidents of sexual violence and harassment had once again raised concerns over women’s safety in the capital.“In Delhi, we frequently hear of incidents that cast doubt on the safety and security of girls. In such situations, families and society often talk about imposing restrictions. But why only on girls? What about the boys?” she said.Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2014 Independence Day address, Gupta said, “I believe that our Prime Minister is the only leader who, back in 2014, spoke from the ramparts of the Red Fort and asked: ‘You keep lecturing girls, but when will you talk to the boys? When will you counsel the boys?’ It shouldn’t even need to be said that no means no.”The chief minister said responsibility for women’s safety extended beyond families and rested equally with police, civic agencies, courts and society. She called for improved policing and better infrastructure, including adequate lighting, CCTV coverage and security personnel at vulnerable locations.“The solution to women’s safety cannot simply be to tell daughters what to wear, where to go or when to return home. When daughters are given several ‘dos and don’ts’ in the name of safety, boys must also be taught, with equal seriousness, about respect, responsibility, behaviour and consent,” she said.Gupta said society must ensure that no girl has to compromise on her education, career, aspirations or freedom because of safety concerns.“At times, girls hesitate to speak up because of institutional or social pressure. Families, educational institutions, society, the administration, police and the govt must work together to create an environment where daughters can speak fearlessly and their complaints are taken seriously,” she said.She added that the govt remained committed to safeguarding the safety, dignity and rights of women.
