Varanasi | 10 March 2026

Thousands of rural women gathered in protest in the Rajatalab area of Varanasi, raising their voices against domestic violence, gender discrimination and sexual harassment. The women also strongly demanded a complete ban on the sale of liquor in Uttar Pradesh. The demonstration reflected growing concerns among women in rural communities about the social impact of alcohol consumption and increasing cases of violence.

The protest took place during a large women’s assembly organised jointly by several groups, including self-help groups of domestic workers, youth organisations and social groups. Women from nearly 80 villages in the Arajiline and Sevapuri blocks participated in the event. Around 3,000 women marched from Rajatalab market to the tehsil office carrying banners and placards, accompanied by drums and slogans. The large gathering briefly disrupted traffic on the GT Road as the rally moved through the area.

During the march, participants raised several slogans such as “चुप नहीं रहना है, हिंसा नहीं सहना है”, “महिला हिंसा बंद करो”, “छेड़खानी पर रोक लगाओ”, “शराब बेचना बंद करो”, “हर हाथ को काम दो, काम का पूरा दाम दो”, “भीख नहीं अधिकार चाहिए, जीने का सम्मान चाहिए” and “भेदभाव मिटाएंगे, नया समाज बनाएंगे”. After reaching the tehsil premises, the women staged a demonstration and submitted a 13-point memorandum addressed to the President of India through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate.

Following the rally, a conference focusing on violence against women was held at the irrigation department’s guest house. Social activists and community leaders spoke about the need for women to become aware of their rights and actively participate in decision-making. Speakers also highlighted that alcohol addiction in rural areas often leads to domestic disputes and violence, stressing that stronger action and social awareness are necessary to ensure safety and equality for women.

 Thousands of Women Protest in Varanasi, Demand Liquor Ban and Action Against Violence

Thousands of rural women gathered in protest in the Rajatalab area of Varanasi, raising their voices against domestic violence, gender discrimination and sexual harassment. The women also strongly demanded a complete ban on the sale of liquor in Uttar Pradesh. The demonstration reflected growing concerns among women in rural communities about the social impact of alcohol consumption and increasing cases of violence.

The protest took place during a large women’s assembly organised jointly by several groups, including self-help groups of domestic workers, youth organisations and social groups. Women from nearly 80 villages in the Arajiline and Sevapuri blocks participated in the event. Around 3,000 women marched from Rajatalab market to the tehsil office carrying banners and placards, accompanied by drums and slogans. The large gathering briefly disrupted traffic on the GT Road as the rally moved through the area.

During the march, participants raised several slogans such as “चुप नहीं रहना है, हिंसा नहीं सहना है”, “महिला हिंसा बंद करो”, “छेड़खानी पर रोक लगाओ”, “शराब बेचना बंद करो”, “हर हाथ को काम दो, काम का पूरा दाम दो”, “भीख नहीं अधिकार चाहिए, जीने का सम्मान चाहिए” and “भेदभाव मिटाएंगे, नया समाज बनाएंगे”. After reaching the tehsil premises, the women staged a demonstration and submitted a 13-point memorandum addressed to the President of India through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate.

Following the rally, a conference focusing on violence against women was held at the irrigation department’s guest house. Social activists and community leaders spoke about the need for women to become aware of their rights and actively participate in decision-making. Speakers also highlighted that alcohol addiction in rural areas often leads to domestic disputes and violence, stressing that stronger action and social awareness are necessary to ensure safety and equality for women.