Main content

Why are Dalit women more likely to experience sexual violence?

The alleged rape and subsequent death of a 19-year-old woman in India has again shone a spotlight on caste-based violence against the Dalit community – formerly known as “untouchables”. Dalits make up nearly twenty percent of India's population and were given equal protection under the constitution after independence from Britain. But rights groups say while many Dalits have been able to take advantage of quota systems to move up the economic ladder, violence and discrimination against the community is worsening.

Indian journalist Yashica Dutt and Thenmozhi Soundararajan, black and Dalit rights activist, discuss how Dalit women are especially targeted for sexual violence.

Photo: A supporter of Dalit caste community at a protest rally against an attack on Dalit caste members in the Gujarat town of Una, in Ahmedabad, India Credit: Getty Images

Release date:

Duration:

3 minutes