Shillong, October 7: Placards, slogans and strong voices against violence marked a protest held at Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah, Shillong on Wednesday, as women, queer and trans persons and feminist allies gathered under the banner of “Dressed to Protest”.
The protesters carried placards with messages including “Girls just wanna have fundamental rights” and “It’s 2026. Criminalise marital rape”, among others.
The protest was aimed at raising awareness among women about the increasing cases of harassment and molestation in Shillong and creating a safe space for women to speak openly about such issues.
The organisers also questioned the gap between Meghalaya’s matrilineal identity and the everyday experiences of women in the State.
Political activist Nivedita said women’s mobility continues to remain restricted, particularly at night, with many women lacking the confidence to step out alone after dark.
Another participant said the title “Dressed to Protest” was a response to the question often directed at women following incidents of violence—“What was she wearing?” She emphasised that women face harassment across different sections of society and that the issue should not be attributed to any particular group.
The protest also expressed solidarity with women facing violence and harassment while studying, working and participating in public protests.
