To,

 The new Prime Minister of the UK, Mr. Andy Burnham and the Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi

Why this matter?

For generations, women and children across the world have lived with fear of walking home alone, fear of travelling, fear of speaking out, and fear that even after surviving unimaginable violence, justice may never come. Sexual violence has affected millions of women and children across countries, communities, and generations. Every day, just like me, thousands of mothers, daughters, and sisters fear for their lives every time they step outside. This perpetual fear is not just personal but resonates with every woman in society. The possibility of not returning home safely is an ever-present worry that shadows our lives. This is the bare minimum we ask for: the right to be safe.  How many more women and children must suffer before the strongest action is taken?

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, a woman is raped every 16 minutes in our country. These numbers are not just figures, they represent the horrific experiences endured by women whose lives have been forever altered by acts of violence. UK (England and Wales): Police recorded 71,227 rape offences in the year ending December 2024. Surveys also show that many victims do not report rape; fewer than 1 in 6 victims of rape or assault by penetration reported the crime to police. USA: CDC estimates from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate approximately 26.8 million women in the US have experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime. India: NCRB data has consistently shown tens of thousands of rape cases registered annually. For example, 31,677 rape cases were registered in 2021 (around 87 cases per day). These figures represent reported cases only, with many cases believed to go unreported because of stigma, fear, family pressure, and distrust of systems.  Recent horrific cases involving children have repeatedly triggered public outrage in India and other countries, highlighting failures in prevention, investigation, and justice.

We demand -

• The strongest possible punishment for convicted rapists.
• A serious national and international conversation about capital punishment for the most extreme cases of rape and sexual violence, following due legal process and ensuring that the rights of victims are placed at the centre of justice.
• Fast-track courts and time-bound trials so survivors are not forced to wait years for justice.
• Greater accountability for failures within justice systems, including negligence by authorities that allows offenders to escape punishment.
• Stronger protection and support for survivors, including counselling and legal assistance.
• Mandatory prevention and education programmes to address violence, consent, and respect from an early age.
   

This situation calls for immediate and stringent action. The existing legal framework has failed to deter these atrocious crimes. The death penalty for convicted rapists could serve as a strong deterrent against such crimes. It's time the government steps up its game to safeguard the innocent lives that hang by a thread due to fear and danger. Each life matters, and we must stand together by taking a strong stand against perpetrators. Let's demand that the government take swift action to amend the laws and implement capital punishment for those who commit rape. If some countries have chosen to introduce the harshest penalties for the most extreme cases of rape and sexual violence  particularly those involving children, gang rape, repeat offenders, and murder then what is stopping other nations to strengthen their laws, accountability measures, and justice systems to provide the highest level of protection for women and children?

Justice must be strong enough to protect the innocent and serious enough to stop those who commit the most horrific crimes. We call upon governments, lawmakers, and justice systems worldwide to take urgent action and ensure that sexual violence is met with the highest level of accountability.

Your signature on this petition can help send a resounding message to our leaders, spark conversations enforcing the demand for stricter legal action to protect women in our society. Stand with us, support this cause, and sign the petition for a safer future for every woman.