No place seems to be safe for women, as 75% women in Chandigarh have faced sexual harassment of some kind at public functions, student centres or in public transport in the past 1 year. The numbers are not any better in SAS Nagar. How safe are public places and transport in your city? What steps are needed to ensure women safety in such places?
There is an urgent need for a campaign to awaken the public about crime against women as most of times, people remain a mute spectator and don't help women being harassed. Incidents of crime against women at public places will come down on its own if public starts responding.
Priya Mahajan, lecturer
CCTV cameras should be installed at public places such as markets, bus stand, railway station so that mischievous elements don't dare to harass a woman. Also, there is need to deploy more women police squads at public places and at police stations.
Gurjinder Kaur, student
CCTV cameras should be installed at public places such as markets, bus stand, railway station so that mischievous elements don't dare to harass a woman. Also, there is need to deploy more women police squads at public places and at police stations.
Gurjinder Kaur, student
Woman should never project themselves as weak. Administration should display helpline numbers at public places and authorities should ensure that the helplines work. Quick response teams should be formed by the police for the safety of women.
Radhika Kalra, student
The training in self-defence should be given to girls in schools and colleges, so that they don't have to wait for help to get out of a tricky situation. Most of the crimes occur as the victims don't have the courage to react. The mobile numbers of police officials should be displayed in buses, trains, auto rickshaws etc.
Veena, housewife
Since public transport, such as buses and trains, are most prone to harassment of women, the government should appoint women conductors or deploy women cops. Women cops should also be deputed at public places in civil dress and should be suitably armed.
Neetu Sharma, housewife
Women should not shy away from gathering the attention of the public whenever they come across an unsavoury situation at a public place. Out of stigma, women often keep suffering without raising her voice. Self protection kits, such as pepper sprays, can be some help.
Vaani Sodhi, homemaker
If a woman feels that someone is stalking her, she, if possible, should immediately move towards a crowded place and bring her problem to the notice of others. In case the place is isolated, the victim should call for help and buy time till the time help reaches.
Neeraj Kaler, housewife