My friend had a series of panic attacks and sleepless nights when she found her name on “Sulli Deals”. I was angry and helpless at the same time.

The App called “Sulli Deals” had twitter accounts of at least 80 women with their pictures and usernames. All of them were Muslim women.

This app called “Sulli Deals” (a derogatory term used to refer to Muslim women) was made by unidentified men on Github. The motive of the app was listed as “community-driven open source project.”

So basically, my friends were auctioned off by right wing men on that app without their knowledge. Along with my friend, there were photos of other Muslim women who are students, activists, artists, journalists, research scholars.

You can click on the app and simply bid on the stolen photos of us “put to sale”.

I am tired, we are tired. But we are going to stand tall against this.

Many women on the list have taken legal action against the app. But what is even more shocking is the support that the perpetrators get on social media. Hashtags trended in their support, we were sent threats and obscene messages in their support.

Just months after, Bulli Bai, another app that 'cloned' Sulli Deals has emerged, and taken down.  

I want us to not forget that my friends, who happen to be Muslim women in India were auctioned off on an app and fellow citizens supported this crime. I want to believe that there are people who will stand by my friends and extend solidarity.

Please sign my petition asking for-
1. Immediate action to be taken against the makers of the app
2. Stricter laws in place against harassment on social media
3. Fast tracked redressal mechanism by Twitter in cases of harassment online

I want to tell you all, that it is definitely a women’s issue, rooted in misogyny and rape culture, but it is primary the issue of Muslim women, we are vulnerable, pushed against the walls. It is all of these things coupled with islamophobia.

Someone like me who is vocal on social media faces abuse and trolling every day. If I read some of the messages to you, you will be shocked.

We will not back down. Join us and sign my petition to ensure that social media becomes safer for women,especially women from marginalised communities.