On the eve of the anniversary of the Dec 16 Delhi gang-rape, German Ambassador Michael Steiner Sunday said the safety of women is a global issue, and expressed solidarity with those fighting for the protection of the rights of women, a German embassy statement said.
"The dramatic fate of 'Nirbhaya' shocked the whole of India and the world. I bow to 'Nirbhaya'. She has become an icon for the fight against sexual abuse of women in India and beyond," he said, remembering the 23-year-old physiotherapist intern who was gang-raped Dec 16 lasy year and died 13 days later of injuries.
"Nirbhaya" or the fearless one, is the name by which the young woman was referred to in the media. The law in India does not allow disclosure of the name of a victim of rape.
"The protection and safety of women is a global issue. The active empowerment of women, especially from the most vulnerable sections of the society, is a must. It is a common goal we share with India," the German embassy statement said.