Who are the women powering India's youth-led protests?

In late July, Navkiran Natt and her partner faced a tense situation when they arrived at the magistrate's office in New Delhi for their wedding. They encountered barricades and police, as a youth-led protest called the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanded the resignation of the Education Minister. The protest movement, known for its satirical tone, began after a Chief Justice referred to unemployed young people as "cockroaches."

The CJP's success lies in the continued participation of protesters despite heavy resistance from security forces, who used batons, tear gas, and pellets, resulting in injuries and detentions.

Neha Bora, the president of the All India Students Association, has become synonymous with the demonstrations. As a student leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation, Bora has faced numerous challenges, including police violence and online harassment. Despite these obstacles, Bora remains committed to the cause, rejecting the notion of being portrayed as victims. Instead, they emphasize their role as political beings, demanding greater autonomy and respect for women and the LGBTQ+ community.

The protests also come amid a rise in crimes against women, with 441,534 cases registered in 2024, averaging 1,210 cases per day. Activists like Kavita Krishnan argue that the term "Beti Bachao" (Save the Daughter) falls short and calls for a more inclusive approach, recognizing women and genderqueer individuals as political beings.

Despite the risks, women and queer protesters continue to show up, facing sexualized backlash and threats. While authorities deny allegations of mistreatment, protesters maintain that they are treated with dignity and refuse to be silenced.