The gruesome rape and death of Veterinarian Priyanka Reddy has once again highlighted the need for better security and safety measures for Indian women. Unfortunately, this has lead to a fear psychosis amongst working women in our city. In a pro-active measure, females travelling by metro in Bengaluru are now being allowed to carry pepper-sprays. We asked the girls what other precautionary measures they take while commuting alone at night.
Sanya Menon, a brand-head says, “While the literacy rate has improved, it has not reduced crimes against women in India. Introducing self-defense as a part of education is the way forward now. With the initiative by Bengaluru metro that allows pepper spray as a means of self-defense, these actions assure more safety in the city. In addition to pepper sprays, one should also carry a knife or a nail cutter with a knife.”
Sneha Choudhary, co-founder, Zolostays shares, “Priyanka Reddy’s death sends chills down our spine. Introducing measures like allowing pepper sprays or any instruments that can be used as self-defense does make one feel more confident. Also women in this city can install the Suraksha App on their phone. This facility by the Bengaluru police allows users to press a panic button and have the police vehicle arriving on the spot in just nine minutes. Mental alertness is the greatest weapon you can ever have.”
Kavya S, a real state agency consultant, who travels frequently to her workplace, site and home town stresses on the importance of safety measures. “It takes me 10 minutes to reach my room after I get down from the auto and often the street is dark. I wear one earplug (with no music) and pretend like I am talking to someone, while keeping an eye on the nearing vehicles and pedestrians. My right elbow is positioned in a manner when I can hit out at my attacker, should the situation arise. It is because a couple of guys, who once followed me, tried to come close and touch me. Luckily someone was around, he warned them and they backed off.”
Pavani Poluri, a secondary school teacher believes that imparting sex education in schools will play a major role in reducing crimes against women, “It is also important to teach your son how to respect women. On a personal level, I always carry an antique knife, when I step out at night
as a precautionary measure.”
