London filmmaker Jayisha Patel has released a short film about the “Red Brigade” in India — teenage rape victims who protest rape culture in India and support victims of sexual violence.
The film, called “Power Girls,” shows the Red Brigade addressing the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman on a Delhi bus. The young women are confronting a man who says:
“I know what happened was wrong… But tell me, is it right for a girl to go to a movie at 1 a.m.?”
He goes on to say how the young woman was not out with a family member, and thus was more of a target.
A prominent Red Brigade member responds:
“If we’re walking alone, then is it your right to rape us?”
The film also shows the powerful young women inviting people to sign a petition demanding more women’s bathrooms and closed circuit cameras, in order to decrease the likelihood that women will be assaulted or harassed on the street.
Another element of the Red Brigade’s work is to teach girls and young women self-defense techniques. The video shows a scene in which they demonstrate how to break an attacker’s jaw. They also provide practical support to rape victims — counseling for the young woman and her family, and help with her education so that she can stay in school.
Rape in India has been called “an epidemic,” although accurate rape and sexual violence statistics are difficult to find, since it is estimated that most rape is unreported, with many rapes being perpetrated by family members and police. The number of rapes reported has been rising year-over-year, but that could be a function of greater education and a stronger focus on women’s rights in India. Marital rape is still not considered a crime.
The film shows the Red Brigade discussing a recent report of a 10-year-old girl being gang raped by policemen. The description of the horrific event causes a serious emotional reaction among the Brigade members, themselves all former rape victims.
The woman presenting the incident asks:
“Can we take on this issue?”
The response is immediate:
“Yes, we should. It’s very important.”
They organize a protest and arrange for medical help for the girl.
Amid stories of horrific rapes and abuses, it is important to remember the grassroots movements to make life safer for Indian girls and women. Our hats are off to you, Red Brigade!
Featured image via YouTube screen capture
