Better late than never, state govts promise women safety

Looking back at the year that was on the eve of International Women's Day, violence against women has come to the forefront with it receiving much global and local attention. While the gangrape of the 23 year old paramedical student sparked off debates and protests, everyday has seen new cases which reflect the vulnerability and helplessness of women to crime.

This International Women's Day, looks like the country is atleast on a path to awareness. Although there are miles to go before the system changes, the seed for change is being sowed. While Kerala has resorted to techology, the Capital is going down to the basics.

Finally waking up to the 'real situation' and taking measures is the Kerala government will be using electronic gadgets for protection of women. On Wednesday, Panchayat and Social Justice Minister M.K. Muneer was quoted saying, "We have received proposals of an electronic bangle and varieties of SIM cards, which when activated by the women, can send an SOS to the nearest police station or to the Women Jagretha Samithis. We plan to use these gadgets on a pilot project to check their efficacy. Before we decide on such things, we will take women into confidence to see if they are willing to take this forward. Nothing will be imposed upon (them) by us," Muneer said.

"We have received proposals of an electronic bangle and varieties of SIM cards, which when activated by the women, can send an SOS to the nearest police station or to the Women Jagretha Samithis," he added.

"We plan to use these gadgets on a pilot project to check their efficacy. Before we decide on such things, we will take women into confidence to see if they are willing to take this forward. Nothing will be imposed upon (them) by us," Muneer said.

Looking at the current situation more than anything, the country needs to respect women. In a better late than never situation, the Delhi government taking note of the rising number of crimes against women, has decided to 'educate children to respect women'.

"Humans have become beastly. There are rapes in schools, families. According to reports, 90 percent rapes are done by people who are known to the victim," R.P.N. Singh said, during the question hour in the Rajya Sabha.

"We need to teach our children, our sons to respect women," the minister said.

Meanwhile, they have also decided to provide self- defence training to women. Encouraging women to join the police forces, he said that they have asked all states to recruit atleast 33 % women into the police forces. "Delhi Police will also be recruiting 522 women. "In 2012, 9,790 women have been given self defence training in Delhi. Delhi Police has also organised training programme for women cab drivers," he said.

The measures taken towards enhanced safety for women should be consistent and only if they are sustainable will the country get to the road of recovery. However, we will have to wait and watch if these assurances are kept and if it actually brings about any change.