On December 31, the horrible crime that became Bengaluru's shame seems to have prompted authorities to ask women to defend themselves! In a 'bold' move, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) reportedly permitted women travelling in the Delhi Metro to carry small knives, for their own safety.
“Women will now be permitted to carry knives that are less than four inches long. We realised that small knives are not a threat to security but required by women for their protection,” a CISF official told the media.
This move comes after women and young girls were allegedly groped, molested and sexually harassed in Bengaluru’s downtown area during New Year eve's celebration. In fact, one could see the girls crying and breaking down, some even on the shoulders of female constables who were among the 1,600 policemen already present on road.
But while this decision has been taken to safeguard women in the city, hundreds of whom travel by Metro, it has garnered mixed reactions across the country. So while some lauded this move as 'bold' many others felt it could be a safety hazard for others.
What women think about the move!
We at indusparent spoke to a few citizens to understand what they thought of this move and here are some of the things they shared with us.
For the motion
Ekta Alreja, a Delhi-based media professional and mum of one, says, "This comes as a good news to me as safety comes first before anyone or anything else. Of course, you will have to be more careful with children around in the metro but this will make us feel safe."
Subeksha Puri, an undergraduate student, who uses the Metro to commute to Delhi University says, "It is a good move. We often have to fight off molesters and creepy lecherous men during our long travels and carrying a weapon, albeit small will help us feel safe. Plus, when men would know that we are all carrying something to defend ourselves, hopefully, they will stop harassing us."
But not everybody thinks this is a good decision.
Not for the motion
Vanita Chitkara, a Delhi-based social media consultant is of a different view. "This is a shortcut to make women feel safer. The rate at which women are molested and harassed, there will be murders every day? Aren't we calling for more crime? Is this not tit for tat?"
We also spoke to women in Bengaluru, where the crime actually took place and while most are still recovering with the fact that the crime happened int heir 'safe' city, many others feel this move should be done for the city too.
Astha Bajaj, stay-at-home mum, Bengaluru, "This is a good move but I am not sure if it is the most effective to protect women. First up, metros are so crowded that it takes time to dig in to your pockets or bags in order to use the knife or any protective device. Second, there are many miscreants in the woman coaches also, and they may abuse this freedom. I take the metro to pick up my son and I am not sure if it is such a safe measure especially with kids around. However, we must not forget that it might make women feel safer."
Chandralekha P, an engineer with reputed MNC in Bengaluru on the other hand said, "This move must be started in Bengaluru metros too. Given what happened on December 31, it is a must. Plus, let's not forget that Bengaluru has become multi-cultural and we have people from all walks of life coming into the city, thus giving rise to crime against women. Otherwise, the city was quite safe for women earlier."
While both sides remain divided on the decision, one thing is for sure, the Metro authorities do want to encourage women to take care of their own safety, if nothing else works. But apart from a small knife, what else can a woman carry to protect herself?
Continue reading to see what you can carry for your own safety when travelling alone.
5 items you can use for protection
Now that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has also allowed women to carry small knives on board Metro, many of us may feel safer. But here are a few things besides knives you can carry.
#1 Pepper spray
This is perhaps the most common and also one of the most effective self-defense tools to carry. It is compact, lightweight, effective and easy-to-use. There are several variants to pepper spray available in the market now, you can buy them from pharmacies or online. In addition, you can also carry them in public transport.
#2 Lighting rod/ iron batons
This is an interesting item that can be quite effective when used properly. Most of these are small iron batons that open into rods with just a click. It can be overpowering and used as a beating stick against an attacker. This product is also available online. However, most people avoid using this because it is a bit difficult to handle and cannot be carried in Metros.
#3 Whistle
This is quite an effective item to use, especially if you travel alone in the night and do not carry any other protective item. You can just wear it around your neck, as you leave your office or home and blow on it when/if attacked. You can also install a security whistle in your car key and use that for raising an alarm.
#4 Flash lights & stun guns
This is highly underrated, but it can be quire effective because it also helps to raise an alarm and attract attention, especially if you traveling alone in small lanes or badly-lit places. You can also use rechargeable lipstick stun guns, which are as the name suggests small lipstick sized stun guns that can be carried on Metros. They are quite effective and helpful in sticky situations.
#5 Steel knuckles
Most women are not proficient in its use, but it's a unique and effective product to use for safety. You just have to wear it like a big ring and use it to protect yourself. This can do quite a lot of damage to the attacker. Again, this is also available online and is also inexpensive.
Read: Watch: Angry dad Akshay Kumar shares a powerful message for girls after the shameful Bengaluru incident
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[All images courtesy: Pixabay]
