By Subham
Dibrugarh, October 12, 2026: In response to the persistent issue of gender-based violence across the country, students at Dibrugarh University (DU) gathered on October 10 for a protest-cum-discussion aimed at addressing women’s safety on and off campus and the violence that is happening against women.
Organized by three female students-Irene Boruah, Anubha Dahal, and Khyati Proyashi Gogoi-the program commenced at 9:00 AM outside the main gate of Dibrugarh University. The initiative garnered significant support from the DU Student Union (GS and Social Service Secretary) and the students of DU, as well as students from neighbouring colleges and institutions, drawing a turnout of more than 40 participants for the morning session.
Addressing the gathering, key speakers including the student organizers and the General Secretary of the DU Student Union highlighted the urgent need for institutional accountability and societal reform.
Actionable Solutions and Awareness:
The open-floor discussion provided a platform for students to voice concerns and propose practical safety measures. Among the key suggestions raised were:
Enhanced Security Infrastructure: Increasing the installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras across university grounds.
Empowerment Initiatives: Conducting regular self-defence training sessions for female students.
Awareness Programs: Hosting moral education and counselling sessions for male students.
Participants emphasized that while self-defence is empowering, long-term safety requires addressing the root cause by actively educating and sensitizing men, BETI BACHAO BETI PADHAO ke sath BETO KO BHI SIKHAO.
Launch of the DU Women Safety Cell Committee:
A pivotal outcome of the event was the proposal and immediate formation of the DU Women Safety Cell Committee, an initiative spearheaded by Irene Boruah, and Khyati Proyashi Gogoi and the other founding members are Anubha Dahal, Aklanta Dihingia, Prachurjya Pran Chutia and Neina Begum. Designed to offer support to victims on campus, the cell will feature a confidential portal allowing individuals to seek assistance or report incidents anonymously.
During the assembly, the committee’s founding leadership was officially elected:
President: Mohsina Begum (5th Semester)
General Secretary: Anubha Dahal (3rd Semester)
To ensure effective enforcement and institutional backing, the safety cell will work closely with the university administrative members, and the In-Charge (IC) of the local Rajabheta Police Outpost.
Organizers expressed plans to extend this framework by assisting in the creation of similar safety cells across other universities and colleges in the region.
A Stand in the Dark: Evening Candlelight March
The day’s activities culminated in the evening with a candlelight march outside the campus gates. More than 60 students joined the silent procession, symbolizing solidarity with victims of violence and reinforcing their demand for safer educational environments.
The event marks a decisive step by the students of Dibrugarh University toward building a proactive, community-led response to violence against women, laying a foundation for greater awareness, accountability, and safety across regional campuses.
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