Biography:
Yogita Bhayana is a prominent anti-rape activist in India, known for her tireless efforts to support rape survivors and seek justice for their assailants. She is the head of People Against Rape in India (PARI), an organization dedicated to providing assistance to rape survivors and advocating for their rights. Bhayana has also contributed significantly to the welfare of the homeless population in Delhi, having founded and managed 200 homeless shelters in the city.
Born and raised in Delhi, Bhayana demonstrated a passion for social justice from an early age. She witnessed a distressing road accident and was appalled by the apathy displayed by the police and hospital staff towards the victims. This incident served as a catalyst for her to become a social activist, determined to bring about positive change in her community.
Bhayana has been actively involved in various government committees and boards related to gender equality and women empowerment. She has served as a leading member of the expert committee on gender and education for the National Commission for Women. Additionally, she has been a member of the Anganwadi worker interview board in Delhi NCR, the Rogi Kalyan Samiti of the Government of Delhi, and the Sexual Harassment Board of Delhi.
Throughout her career as an activist, Bhayana has closely worked on cases of rape, dedicating herself to supporting survivors and advocating for their rights. Her powerful protests played a pivotal role in drawing attention to the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder case, which sparked nationwide outrage and led to significant reforms in India’s legal system concerning sexual violence.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhayana extended her humanitarian efforts to address the plight of marginalized individuals. Witnessing the suffering of patients from remote areas who were denied treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, she organized transportation for them to return home, personally covering the expenses.
Yogita Bhayana’s impactful work has earned her recognition and respect within her community and beyond. She is admired for her unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of rape survivors and driving significant social change. Through her organization PARI and her various initiatives, she continues to play a pivotal role in empowering women and fighting against sexual violence in India.