‘428 raped, 297 killed and1,394 kidnapped’

428 women raped, 297 murdered, 1,394 kidnapped- these are the figures of crime against women in the city as per the State Human Rights Commission report. "This can be a clear indicator of the status of women in our city and state," said Mahesh Pandya at a women's meet held in the city.

The pressures, discriminations and challenges faced by women came to the fore at a meet organised by Anhad in Ahmedabad.

Meena Jagtap of Dastak spoke of how women spend their lives just ensuring adequate drinking water for their families. "Have you ever seen a man carrying water? Lack of drinking water affects women severely. It is a matter that needs to be discussed at par with female foeticide and other forms of discrimination," said Jagtap.

Darshana, a resident of Amraiwadi, pointed out how the area had earned a tag as the crime hub of the city. "We have now got used to illegal activities going on here. There is a reason why women in the area are opting for surrogacy and even offer to be guinea pigs for clinical trials. They are pushed into it because of poverty and crime in the area," said Darshana.

The women also poked fun at chief minister Narendra Modi, who has in several public meetings claimed to be the brother of the women of the state and promised to come to their rescue. "We have written several letters to Modi but have rarely got any action from his party," said another participant at the event.