#MeToo controversy: Women journalists protest against MoS MJ Akbar, demands security at workplace

As the number of women coming out and speaking up against Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar, alleging him of sexual harassment is increasing with each passing day, several women journalists on Saturday gathered at the Parliament Street in New Delhi to protest against the accused journalist.

"We have women's organization who have come out in our support. It is not a women-specific issue. It is a societal issue. We would like the central government to acknowledge it and take action in what women are trying to say. We should not be under any kind of illusion that women journalists are supposed to be empowered. We should not get special treatment only because we are journalists. Why not now? Is anything wrong in speaking up and raise question now. Violence and insecurity against women has gone up and not only at workplace,” said one of the journalists protesting against MJ Akbar.

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Raising a demand for a systematic organization of harassment-free workplace, they are carrying out a peaceful protest at New Delhi.

"We have gathered here to keep the momentum of MeToo movement. We are here to say that sexual harassment at the workplace is non-negotiable. At any cost, the workforce should not be harassed from someone who has power. We demand that all the media organization should implement sexual harassment law in spirit and it should be taken to the right end," said one of the protestor.

READ: #MeToo: Minister Of State For External Affairs MJ Akbar Accused Of Sexual Harassment

On October 12, Majlie de Puy Kamp became the 11th woman to accuse MJ Akbar of sexually assaulting her during the time when he used to work as a journalist.

It started on October 9, when Priya Ramani became the first journalist to call out MJ Akbar as she accused him of inappropriate behaviour at workplace. After her post, several other women spoke up and accused MJ Akbar of sexual harassment. With her tweet, Ramani had shared a link to her 2017 article, wherein she accused him of behaving inappropriately. Though, back then Ramani didn’t name him. However, in her tweet, she outed Akbar and also spilled the beans on why she didn’t reveal his name when she wrote the article.

Post several allegations against the BJP MP, several other politicians are speaking out for his resignation from his office.