We love India and many aspects of the Indian culture. The documentary 'India's Daughter' however, draws our attention to an element of Indian culture for which we may not close our eyes: the gender differences, that place women at all levels of Indian society in an inferior position, not only in India but throughout the Diaspora.

This position deprives women of their development opportunities and makes them indefensible to all kinds of abuse, such as domestic and sexual violence. Given the honor of families is considered related to the chastity and integrity of women, sexual abuses are usually concealed. Thus perpetrators stay unpunished for their misdeeds and women in Indian society are placed in an untenable position.

The documentary 'India's Daughter' has started a debate in the Indian Parliament. Unfortunately, this debate is mostly about the motives of the makers and censorship of the documentary.

We urge the parliament to look into the miserable position of Indian women and to undertake stronger action at all levels and facets of the Indian society. We plea for a firmer policy to achieve gender equality, safety and development opportunities for women.