Target: Droupadi Murmu, President of India
Goal: Enhance protections for women and healthcare workers in wake of trainee doctor’s reported murder.
The reported rape and murder of trainee doctor Moumita Debnath at a campus in India has prompted wide-scale protests and calls for reform within the medical community, within law enforcement, and within the government itself. The 31-year-old Debnath was discovered inside the very hospital where she worked, partially clothed and with significant injuries to her body. The young doctor later died, and chaos and outrage soon followed.
Officials at the hospital reportedly initially attributed Debnath’s death to suicide. Questions soon swirled around the police investigation, as investigators seemingly dismissed indications that the attack may have been a gang rape. And when a suspect was arrested, critics pointed to inconsistencies in his statement. Thousands of physicians have staged strikes and protests demanding national protections for healthcare workers, and women across the country have united to demand the same.
Sign the petition below to join in these calls for urgent and desperately needed reform.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Murmu,
The horrific crime that reportedly took place in the Kolkata hospital is symptomatic of a larger problem across India regarding gender-based violence, and especially violence within the nation’s healthcare sector. Despite pledges for more protections for women and girls, such violence is still on the rise. And the 30 percent of women who comprise India’s healthcare sector are particularly vulnerable.
Incidents against female healthcare workers are unfortunately not isolated. And while the high-profile murders point a spotlight on the issue, the unsafe working conditions faced by these workers are an every-day reality. Rather than inciting clashes with protesters, please listen to their real concerns.
Support a federal law affording broader protections to healthcare workers and continue to strengthen laws regarding gender-based violence. Help empower these vital contributors to Indian society.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Arijit Kisku
