What’s changed after the outrage of December 16, 2012?

On December 17, 2012, Delhi finally woke up to the danger that lurked in its streets. The gang rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapist the previous night and her death 12 days later forced an outraged populace to storm the country’s power centre in Lutyen’s Delhi to demand justice for the victim.

On December 17, 2012, Delhi finally woke up to the danger that lurked in its streets. The gang rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapist the previous night and her death 12 days later forced an outraged populace to storm the country’s power centre in Lutyen’s Delhi to demand justice for the victim. In one voice, they demanded the right to usher in the new year in a safe city.

Students protest against the gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16, 2012, in New Delhi. (HT File Photo)

As the chorus grew louder, politicians promised to meet their demands. It’s three years later and women in the city are still waiting to walk a mile without fear.

Sample this — in a poll conducted by hindustantimes.com, less than half the respondents said the Capital was safe for women only till the sun was up. Around 37% felt women were not safe even during the day.

It is time now to remind the authorities of their unkept promises. Starting today, Hindustan Times will document changes in the city’s attitude to women’s safety and if the steps taken since that day have changed anything.