Women are the real creators of the society.

If they
are safe then society is in safe hands
Purpose of this project

In a world where women's safety often remains a pressing concern, it's high time we
recognize the immense potential for transformation that lies within the collective power
of men. While it's undeniable that women have been at the forefront of advocating for
their own safety and rights, it's equally undeniable that men, as allies, have a pivotal
role to play in bringing about lasting change.

The challenges that women face daily, from harassment to violence and discrimination,
are not merely "women's issues"; they are human issues that affect us all. We cannot
afford to perpetuate a culture where women are made to bear the burden of their own
safety alone. Rather, we must harness the strength of unity, the force of brotherhood,
and the innate sense of justice that resides in every man.

Imagine a world where men everywhere stand shoulder to shoulder with women,
unequivocally committed to creating safer spaces and dismantling the structures of
oppression. Picture a society where the safety of women is not a privilege but a
fundamental right, where the fear that too many women live with every day is replaced
with a sense of security, respect, and equal opportunity. This is not a distant dream; it is
an achievable reality that starts with each one of us.

The purpose of this project is to spotlight the transformative potential of men coming
together as allies in the quest for women's safety. It is a call to action, an awakening,
and a commitment to fostering a world where women are not just protected but
empowered, where their voices are amplified, and where the darkness of gender-based
violence and discrimination is replaced with the radiant light of equality, justice, and
respect. This project is not merely an endeavor; it is a movement, a force for change
that beckons every man to rise, unite, and be a part of the solution. Together men, we
can rewrite the narrative, shatter the barriers, and bring about a profound, enduring
change in the landscape of women's safety.
Introduction Page 1:

Women's Safety: A Matter of Urgency

In every corner of the world, women should be free to pursue their dreams, walk the
streets without fear, and live their lives with the same sense of security as men. Yet, the
reality often falls short of this ideal. The issue of women's safety is a global concern that
transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic boundaries. It is a matter of profound
importance that demands our collective attention, as it not only impacts the lives of
women but also reflects the state of our societies and our commitment to justice and
equality.

Introduction Page 2:

Understanding the Landscape of Women's Safety

Women's safety encompasses a wide spectrum of concerns, ranging from physical

safety and freedom from violence to emotional well-being and access to equal
opportunities. While significant strides have been made in recent years to address these
issues, challenges persist. Gender-based violence, harassment, discrimination, and
unequal access to resources continue to hinder progress towards a world where women
can thrive without fear or limitations.

Introduction Page 3:

The Importance of Addressing Women's Safety

The urgency of addressing women's safety cannot be overstated. A society that fails to
protect its women from harm and injustice is a society that deprives itself of the full
potential and contributions of half its population. Women's safety is not solely a women's
issue; it is a societal issue with far-reaching consequences. It affects families,
communities, economies, and the overall well-being of nations.

Introduction Page 4:

Our Commitment to Change

As we delve deeper into the multifaceted dimensions of women's safety in the pages
that follow, let us remember that the aim is not to highlight the problems alone but to
empower ourselves with knowledge, inspiration, and actionable solutions. This
exploration is a call to action, an invitation to join the movement for change, and a
declaration of our commitment to creating a world where women can live free from fear,
violence, and discrimination.
In the forthcoming pages, we will examine the various aspects of women's safety,
including the challenges they face, the progress achieved, and the innovative strategies
and initiatives that are making a difference. It is our hope that this comprehensive
understanding will inspire individuals, communities, and nations to take meaningful
steps towards a safer and more equitable world for all.
Method used in project-

A case study is a research method and an in-depth analysis of a particular subject,

often involving a specific individual, group, organization, event, or situation. The
purpose of a case study is to gain a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the
subject under investigation. Case studies are commonly used in various fields, including
psychology, sociology, business, medicine, and education, among others.

In a case study, researchers collect extensive data through various methods, such as
interviews, observations, surveys, and document analysis, to provide a rich and holistic
account of the subject. The collected information is then analyzed to draw insights,
identify patterns, and make interpretations. Case studies can be exploratory,
descriptive, explanatory, or evaluative, depending on the research objectives.

Case studies are valuable for several reasons:

​ In-Depth Understanding: They allow researchers to delve deeply into a

specific context or situation, providing a detailed understanding of complex
issues.
​ Real-Life Context: Case studies are often based on real-life scenarios,
making them applicable and relevant to practical situations.
​ Rich Data: They generate rich and contextually relevant data that can be
used to inform decision-making or further research.vb
​ Hypothesis Generation: Case studies can help generate hypotheses or
theories that can be tested in broader research.
​ Unique Perspectives: They offer a platform to explore unique or unusual
cases that may not be easily generalized to larger populations.
​ Practical Insights: Case studies are often used to analyze practical
problems and provide recommendations for addressing them.

In academia and professional fields, case studies are used for a variety of purposes,
such as examining the effectiveness of interventions, understanding human behavior,
evaluating business strategies, and exploring social and cultural phenomena. They are
an essential tool for both research and learning, providing a bridge between theory and
real-world applications.

ADVANTAGES

​ In-Depth Exploration: Case studies allow researchers to conduct an in-depth

exploration of a specific subject, providing a detailed understanding of complex
phenomena.
​
 ​ Rich and Contextual Data: They generate rich, contextually relevant data that can
include qualitative and quantitative information, documents, interviews, and
observations.
​
​ Real-Life Application: Case studies are often based on real-life situations, making
them highly applicable to practical scenarios and allowing for the transfer of
knowledge to real-world contexts.
​
​ Holistic Perspective: They provide a holistic view of the subject, taking into
account multiple variables, factors, and perspectives, which can be particularly
valuable when studying complex phenomena.
​
​ Hypothesis Generation: Case studies can be used to generate hypotheses or
theories that can be tested in broader research.
​
​ Uniqueness and Rare Cases: They allow researchers to study unique, unusual, or
rare cases that may not be easily replicated in larger, quantitative studies.
​
​ Flexibility: Case studies can be adapted to various research methods, such as
exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, or evaluative approaches, depending on the
research objectives.
​
​ Capturing Change Over Time: Longitudinal case studies enable researchers to
track changes and developments in a subject over time, providing valuable
insights into processes and evolution.

DISADVANTAGES

​ Limited Generalizability: Case studies typically focus on specific individuals,

groups, or situations, which can limit the extent to which findings can be
generalized to larger populations. As a result, they may not provide broadly
applicable insights.
​
​ Subjectivity and Bias: The researcher's interpretation and biases can influence
the data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings in a case study. This
subjectivity can lead to potential inaccuracies or distortions.
​
​ Time-Consuming: Case studies often require extensive data collection and
analysis, making them a time-consuming research method. This can be
impractical when studying a large number of cases or when time is limited.
​
​ Resource-Intensive: Conducting case studies can be resource-intensive in terms
of personnel, time, and financial resources. This can be a barrier for researchers
with limited resources.
​
​ Ethical Concerns: In some cases, ethical concerns can arise when conducting
case studies, particularly when dealing with sensitive or personal information
about individuals or groups. Ensuring the privacy and consent of participants can
be challenging.
​
​ Lack of Replication: Case studies do not involve the replication of experiments,
which is a common practice in quantitative research. This makes it difficult to
confirm the validity and reliability of findings.
​
​ Small Sample Size: Case studies often involve a small number of cases or
participants, which can limit the statistical power of the study and reduce the
ability to detect patterns or relationships.
​
​ Difficulty in Causation: Case studies are better suited for describing and exploring
complex phenomena rather than establishing causal relationships. Determining
causation can be challenging.
​
​ Selective Reporting: Researchers may selectively report information or data that
aligns with their hypotheses or preconceived notions, potentially leading to
biased or
Why it is important to talk about women’s safety?

Body is the biggest burden for a woman, the burden of safeguarding her
body takes a toll. She does not feel safe inside or outside the house.
Woman is God’s best creation, yet the worst sufferer. It is very sad to say
that our country is not a better place for women. According to the
National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB), India recorded 88 rape cases
every day in 2019. NCRB report highlights that rape vulnerability of a girl
or woman has increased up to 44% in the last 10 years. Every day there
are cases of gang rape, brutal murder, protest, demonstrations, online
petition. We all blame her for being out late hours, for wearing revealing,
western dresses, for being in male company and the list is endless. But
what about a three years baby girl and what will she wear?

Reasons behind increasing crime cases-

1) Patriarchal mindset: Human beings are social animals; it is society that shapes their attitudes,
thinking and beliefs. Rape exists because of patriarchal misogynistic culture that overlooks it,
whether implicitly or explicitly. Patriarchy has conditioned men to believe in their superiority. The
males are always considered as more powerful than women, of which they take advantage.

2) Objectification of women by entertainment industries is another reason why males take them
for granted. The way women are portrayed in film songs, the words used to describe them are
really very disgusting.

3) Delayed punishment: Awarding death penalty is subject to the rarest of rare cases. Death
penalty will be pronounced if the crime has been committed in an extremely cruel and dreadful
manner. The compulsory death penalty is against the constitutional rights of equality, right to live
and personal liberty guaranteed under articles 14 and 21. In case death penalty is granted
execution takes ages.

4) Forbidden things are fascinating: In our society people hesitate to discuss about sex or
menstruation openly and hide such things from their grownup sons and daughters. The typical
conservative mindset of parents and family members restrict their children to interact with the
opposite sex.

5) Lack of awareness: Our society, families, schools and institutions fail to bring awareness
among children, youths regarding sex, sex related crimes. No proper counseling is provided to
grownup boys and girls. The girls cannot share their problems with anyone even if they are
bullied, harassed.

6) Lack of Infrastructure: Due to lack of toilet facility women have to go outside for defecation
and going out in the evening, or in the night hours is not safe for them. There are many roads,
streets, lanes without streetlights, or streetlights are not working which causes darkness. Dark
and lonely stretches are best places for any kind of crime, or rape.

General reasons why this topic is important

​ Human Rights: Women have the same fundamental human rights as men, including the
right to live free from violence, harassment, and discrimination. Addressing women's
safety is a matter of upholding these basic rights.
​
​ Gender Equality: Gender equality is a fundamental principle of justice and human dignity.
Focusing on women's safety is integral to achieving gender equality, as it addresses one
of the most significant barriers that women face in their daily lives.
​
​ Empowerment: Ensuring women's safety empowers them to fully participate in society,
pursue education, engage in economic activities, and make choices about their own
lives without fear.
​
​ Public Health: Violence against women, both physical and psychological, has profound
health implications. By addressing women's safety, we can improve public health
outcomes and reduce the physical and mental health burden on women.
​
​ Economic Prosperity: Women's safety is closely linked to economic prosperity. When
women feel safe, they are more likely to participate in the workforce and contribute to
economic growth and stability.
​
​ Social Cohesion: Addressing women's safety contributes to stronger and more inclusive
communities. It fosters social cohesion and trust among community members.
​
​ Preventing Harm: Talking about women's safety helps raise awareness about the various
forms of harm women face, from domestic violence to sexual harassment, and can
contribute to the prevention of such incidents.
​
​ Education: It is important to discuss women's safety in educational settings to teach
young people about respect, consent, and healthy relationships, ultimately shaping
future generations' attitudes and behaviors.
​
​ Legal Reforms: Conversations about women's safety can lead to legal reforms and
policy changes that protect women's rights and hold perpetrators accountable for their
actions.
​
​ Cultural and Social Norms: Addressing women's safety can challenge harmful cultural
and social norms that perpetuate gender-based violence and discrimination.
​
​ Support Systems: Talking about women's safety helps create support systems for
survivors of violence, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and assistance.
 ​
​ Collective Responsibility: It reminds society that ensuring women's safety is a collective
responsibility, not solely the burden of individual women.
​
​ Awareness and Advocacy: Discussions about women's safety can mobilize individuals,
communities, and organizations to become advocates for change and work towards
creating safer environments for all.

Some of the most heinous crimes committed against women in India are:-

● Female Infanticide. Aborting babies solely because of their gender (female), and
abandoning newborn baby girls are common practices in India. The patriarchal
society of India warrants a male child and considers a female child a burden.
Especially in the rural side of the country, female infanticide is vastly committed.
○
● Rape. In 2020, on an average 88 rape cases were reported daily, and a lot more
went unreported. India has a delayed justice system for convicting rapists, taking
years to deliver judgment.
○
● India festers a victim-blaming culture. More than calling out the abusers, in India,
we blame the victims for their situation. In rape cases, often the blame is shifted
and the action of the rapist is justified on grounds of the attire of the girl, why she
was alone at night, why was she drunk, and more.
○
● India has not yet criminalized marital rape.
○
● Acid attack. Throwing corrosive substances (acids) on women has become a
common practice in India. More often the perpetrators go unpunished in these
cases.
○
● Domestic violence. Women suffer mentally and physically in their homes.
Especially married women are tortured by their inlaws for reasons like dowry or
not birthing a male child and in certain cases for no reason at all.
○
● Most domestic violence actions go unnoticed with no one supporting the women.
A lot of these cases end with the woman taking her life.
A family's upbringing of their sons has a significant impact on women's safety
and contributes to the broader societal attitudes and behaviors related to gender.
Here's how family upbringing can affect women's safety:

​ Role Modeling: Parents serve as the first role models for their children. The way
parents treat each other and interact with their children sets an example for how
relationships should be. If sons witness respectful and equal partnerships at
home, they are more likely to replicate those behaviors in their future
relationships with women.
​
​ Attitudes and Values: Parents influence their sons' attitudes and values regarding
gender roles, respect, and consent. Families that instill values of equality,
empathy, and respect for all individuals, regardless of gender, contribute to a
more inclusive and safe environment for women.
​
​ Communication: Open and healthy communication within families allows for
discussions about topics such as consent, boundaries, and respectful behavior.
These conversations can help sons understand the importance of respecting
women's autonomy and bodily integrity.
​
​ Challenging Stereotypes: Families that actively challenge traditional gender
stereotypes and biases help their sons recognize and reject harmful expectations
about masculinity that can contribute to aggressive or disrespectful behavior
towards women.
​
​ Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Parents can nurture emotional intelligence
and empathy in their sons. These qualities enable individuals to understand and
respond to the feelings and experiences of others, fostering more respectful and
compassionate interactions with women.
​
​ Handling Conflict: How families handle conflict within the household can impact
how sons learn to manage conflicts in their own relationships. A family that
models healthy conflict resolution strategies can help sons develop non-violent
ways of resolving disputes.
​
 ​ Awareness of Consent: Parents can teach their sons about the importance of
consent in all aspects of life, from intimate relationships to everyday interactions.
This awareness is essential in preventing sexual harassment and assault.
​
​ Media and External Influences: Families can guide their sons in critically
evaluating media and external influences that may perpetuate harmful
stereotypes or objectify women. This critical thinking can help sons resist
harmful messages about women.
​ Education: Parents can support their sons' education about gender equality and
women's rights, encouraging them to be advocates for change and allies in the
fight for women's safety.
​
​ Support for Victims: Families can foster empathy and support for victims of
gender-based violence. Teaching sons to be allies who believe and support
survivors can break down barriers to reporting and seeking help.
​
​ Healthy Masculinity: Families can redefine and promote healthier notions of
masculinity that do not rely on dominance, aggression, or control over women.
Sons can be encouraged to embrace a positive, non-toxic masculinity that
respects the autonomy and agency of women.

In summary, a family's upbringing of their sons can either reinforce or challenge societal
norms and behaviors related to gender. By actively promoting values of equality,
respect, and empathy, families can play a pivotal role in creating a safer and more
inclusive environment for women, ultimately contributing to women's safety and
well-being in society at large.
Movies can play a significant role in influencing the importance of women's
safety in society.

Awareness and Education: Movies can raise awareness about issues related to
women's safety, such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and gender-based
discrimination. They can provide a platform to educate viewers about these issues, their
impact on women's lives, and the importance of addressing them.

Portraying Real-Life Experiences: Many movies are based on real-life experiences and
events. By depicting the challenges and struggles faced by women in different contexts,
movies can humanize these issues and make them relatable to a wider audience.

Inspiration and Empowerment: Movies often feature strong, resilient female characters
who overcome adversity. These characters can serve as role models for women and
girls, inspiring them to assert their rights, stand up against injustice, and pursue their
dreams in a world that values their safety.

Challenging Stereotypes: Movies have the power to challenge traditional gender

stereotypes and portray more diverse and empowered female characters. By doing so,
they can contribute to changing societal attitudes and expectations about women's roles
and capabilities.

Cultural Impact: Popular movies can have a profound cultural impact. They can shape
public discourse and influence societal norms and behaviors. Movies that highlight the
importance of women's safety can contribute to a broader cultural shift towards greater
awareness and action.

Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Watching movies that depict the experiences of

women can help viewers develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the
challenges they face. This can lead to increased support for measures aimed at
improving women's safety.

Advocacy and Activism: Movies can inspire viewers to become advocates for women's
safety and gender equality. They can motivate individuals to take action, whether
through volunteering, supporting organizations, or participating in awareness
campaigns.
Starting Conversations: Movies can serve as conversation starters. Viewers may
discuss the themes and messages of a film with friends and family, leading to important
dialogues about women's safety and related issues.

Highlighting Success Stories: Some movies showcase the achievements and

successes of women who have broken barriers and made a positive impact on their
communities. These stories can illustrate the potential for change and encourage others
to follow suit.

Promoting Prevention: Movies can emphasize the importance of prevention and early
intervention in cases of violence against women. They can provide examples of
individuals and communities taking proactive steps to prevent harm.

Advancing Policy Change: Movies that shed light on systemic issues related to women's
safety can mobilize viewers to advocate for policy changes and legal reforms aimed at
addressing these issues.

In conclusion, movies have the potential to be powerful tools for raising awareness,
educating the public, and inspiring action on issues related to women's safety. By
depicting both the challenges and the possibilities, films can contribute to a more
informed and compassionate society that prioritizes the safety and well-being of women.
Look at the heinous crimes committed against women that brought attention to
women’s safety in India.

Nirbhaya case

The 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder, known as the Nirbhaya case involved the
fatal assault on Jyoti Singh, a 22-year-old woman who was returning home after
watching a movie with her friend. The incident occurred on December 16, 2012 in
Munirka, South West Delhi. Singh was beaten, gangraped, and tortured in a
private bus by six people, including the driver.

She was rushed to the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and transferred to Singapore
after 11 days, where she succumbed to her injuries. The incident generated
national and international coverage, while public protests against the state and
central governments took place to condemn the gross act. Singh was given the
moniker of ‘Nirbhaya’, meaning ‘fearless’, and became a symbol of women’s
resistance globally. Eight years later on 20 March 2020, Mukesh Singh, Vinay
Sharma, Akshay Thakur, and Pawan Gupta were executed at Tihar Jail.

Hathras case

A 19-year-old Dalit woman was gangraped in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh on

September 14, 2020, by four upper caste men, belonging to the Thakur caste. She
died two weeks later in a Delhi hospital. In a statement, the victim accused the
four of raping her. After her death, it was alleged that she was forcibly cremated
by the police without the consent of her family. The case and its handling
received condemnation from across the country, and activists protested against
the Yogi Adityanath government.
On December 19, 2020, the CBI filed a chargesheet in a special court in Hathras,
invoking gangrape, murder and charges under SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities
Act. CBI also cited lapses on the part of UP Police, which included delay in
recording the victim’s statement and her medical examination.

Shraddha Walker murder case

Shraddha Walkar was murdered by her boyfriend and live-in partner Aaftab Amin
Poonawala in Delhi on May 18, 2022. The case only came to the forefront after six
months when Walkar’s father lodged a missing persons complaint after hearing
from her friends that they were unable to contact her for more than two months.

The 28-year-old Poonawala strangled his live-in partner over an argument and
dismembered her body into 35 pieces, charring her face to hide her identity. A
300-litre fridge was used to store her body parts, which were individually
disposed of in the Chhatarpur forest over the next 18 days. Poonawalla was
arrested on November 12, 2022. The case caused a national frenzy as Walkar’s
character and choices came into question. However, the structural inequalities
that allow violence against women to persist need to be blamed.

Laxmi Agarwal Acid Attack case

A 15-year-old Laxmi Agarwal was approached by a man named Naeem Khan in

2005, who was 32 years old at that point. He expressed his liking towards Agarwal
but she rejected him. She kept this to herself due to the backlash she would
receive from her family. Ten months later, Khan approached her again and
proposed to her, but she did not respond. A few seconds later, she was attacked
by acid by Khan and his elder brother.

Agarwal’s entire face and other body parts were disfigured in the acid attack. She
filed a PIL in 2006 demanding framing of a new law, or amendment to existing
criminal laws for dealing with the offence, besides compensation and
rehabilitation. She appealed for the total ban on the sale of acid across the nation.
In 2013, the apex court ruled in favour of Agarwal’s plea and set restrictions on
the sale of acid. However, acid attacks continue in the country. Recently, a boy
threw acid on a 17-year-old schoolgirl in Delhi's Dwarka district resulting in
injuries to both of her eyes after buying acid from an online platform.

Jessica Lal case

Jessica Lal, a model and celebrity bartender at Tamarind Court restaurant was
shot dead by Manu Sharma in 1999. Sharma is the son of a prominent Haryana
politician Vinod Sharma. Accompanied by his friends, Sharma was already drunk
but asked for more liquor from Lal after the bar was closed. She refused, which
enraged Sharma who killed her at point blank range.

Delhi Police filed a chargesheet naming Manu Sharma as the prime accused.
However, the trial witnessed a major twist when witness Shayan Munshi, a friend
of Lal, turned hostile on May 3, 2001. Bina Ramani stood firmly beside Lal and
identified Sharma as the perpetrator. But in February 2006, Sharma and eight
others were acquitted by the lower court, which led to a public outcry. The Delhi
High Court reopened the case after an appeal by the police. On December 18,
2006, Sharma was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Kathua rape case

An 8-year-old Muslim girl was abducted, gangraped and murdered by six men in
January 2018 in the Rasana village near Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. The
accused were arrested and the trial began in April. The girl belonged to the
nomadic Bakarwal community.

The case led to huge protests in the nation. On 10 June 2019, six of the seven
defendants were convicted and one acquitted. Three of those convicted were
sentenced to life imprisonment and the remaining three to five years in jail.

Hyderabad rape case

The gang rape and murder of a 26-year-old veterinary doctor in Shamshabad,

near Hyderabad sparked outrage across India in November 2019. Her body was
found a day after she was murdered. Four suspects were arrested and confessed
to having raped and killed the doctor.
After the victim parked her scooter, the suspects allegedly deflated her scooter’s
tire in her absence. She noticed the flat tyre and called for help. The accused, on
pretense of offering help, ambushed her. The men removed her clothes and
sexually assaulted her until she lost consciousness. After she regained
consciousness, they smothered her, wrapped her body in a blanket, and burnt her
body under a bridge using diesel and petrol. It was reported that the suspects
were drunk during the rape and murder. Protesters across India demanded
stricter laws against rapists.

Badaun rape case

In 2014, the gang rape and murder of two teenage girls was reported in the Katra
village of Badaun district, Uttar Pradesh. This was widely reported in the press
nationwide as well as internationally. After investigation, the CBI concluded that
there was no gang rape, and the suspects were released, however in 2015, a
POCSO court rejected the CBI report, which showed the massive failing of the
organisation.

According to reports, the girls had gone out into the fields that were used for
open defecation and did not return. The police were notified, but no action was
taken. The villagers spent the entire night searching for the girls, and the
following morning found them hanging from a tree.
Crime Data
Government measures to increase women’s safety in india

The crimes identified under the Indian Penal Code (IPC):

● Rape (sec.376 IPC)

● Kidnapping & abduction for different purposes (sec.363-373 IPC)
● Homicide for Dowry, Dowry Deaths or their attempts
(sec.302/304-B of IPC)
● Torture, both mental and physical (sec.498-A of IPC)
● Molestation (sec.354 of IPC)
● Sexual harassment (sec.509 of IPC) (referred to in the past as
Eve-teasing)
● Importation of girls (up to 21 years of age) (sec.366-B of IPC)

The crimes identified under the Special laws, such as :

● Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987

● Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
● Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act,
● 1986Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
● Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

National Commission for Women (NCW)

National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body set up by the

Government of India. The commission is mandated to study and monitor all
matters relating to the Constitutional and legal safeguards provided to
women; review the existing legislations to suggest amendments wherever
necessary, and look into complaints involving the deprivation of the rights of
women. All the state governments also have to set up State Commissions for
Women (SCW) with similar functions.

Mission Shakti

“Mission Shakti” is a programme in a mission mode that aims to improve

interventions for women’s empowerment, safety, and security. The plan aims
to economically empower women and provide them with the freedom to
make their own decisions about their bodies and minds in a setting free from
abuse and threat. Encouraging skill development, capacity building, financial
literacy, access to microcredit, etc., it also aims to lessen the burden of care
on women and enhance their involvement in the labour force.

‘Swadhar Greh Scheme

The “Swadhar Greh Scheme” is being implemented by the Ministry of Women

and Child Development. The programme meets the basic requirements of
women in precarious situations, including those who have lost their homes
due to family strife, crime, violence, mental stress, social isolation, or who
are being coerced into prostitution and are in danger. The programme strives
to economically and emotionally rehabilitate such women by offering them
shelter, food, clothing, counselling, training, clinical assistance, and legal aid.

Sakhi – One-Stop Centres

The One Stop Center (OSC) Scheme is also carried out by the Ministry of
Women and Child Development. These OSCs offer a variety of integrated
services, including police facilitation, medical assistance, legal assistance,
counselling, psycho-social counselling, and temporary shelter, to women
who have experienced violence or who are in need.
Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act

In order to ensure that no citizen is denied the opportunity to obtain justice

due to economic or other disabilities, the Legal Services Authorities (LSA)
Act, 1987 provides free and competent legal services to beneficiaries
covered by Section 12 of the Act, including women and children. It also
establishes Lok Adalats to ensure that the operation of the legal system
promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunities.

Stree Manoraksha

In order to train the staff of One Stop Centers (OSCs) across the nation on
how to handle psycho-social and mental health care needs to support
women facing violence and women in distress, the Ministry of Women and
Child Development has engaged with the National Institute of Mental Health
and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru.

Digital Shakti Campaign

The Digital Shakti Campaign is a pan-Indian initiative run by the National

Commission for Women with the goal of empowering and educating women
and girls digitally. In keeping with its promise to establish safe spaces for
women and girls online, Digital Shakti is concentrated on empowering
women to confront any inappropriate or criminal behaviour online.

Ujjawala Scheme

As a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the Prevention of Trafficking and for

the Rescue, Rehabilitation, Re-integration, and Repatriation of Victims of
Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Exploitation, the Ujjawala Scheme is now
being implemented.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative is being implemented through

multi-sectoral intervention in all the districts of the country. This is a joint
initiative of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare and Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of
Education.

The objectives of this initiative are:

● Prevention of gender-biased sex-selective elimination

● Ensuring survival & protection of the girl child
● Ensuring education and participation of the girl child

Nirbhaya Fund

Women and girls are frequently the victims of violence and abuse on the
streets, in transit, and in other public settings. Such incidents limit women’s
freedom of movement and discourage them from moving freely and in the
public locations of their choice.

As a result, the government established the Nirbhaya Fund, a special fund

that can be used for initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s protection and
security. It is a non-lapsable corpus fund that is managed by the Ministry of
Finance’s Department of Economic Affairs.

A one-time assistance of Rs. 200 crores from the Nirbhaya Fund was given
to States and Union Territories as a top-up grant to support their various
Victim Compensation Schemes.
Who can really bring change in women’s safety?

Bringing about positive change in women's society is a collective effort that

involves multiple stakeholders and individuals from various sectors. Here are
some key actors who can play significant roles in effecting change:

​ Government and Policymakers: Government agencies and

policymakers have a critical role in enacting and enforcing laws and
policies that promote gender equality and women's safety. They can
allocate resources for programs and initiatives aimed at addressing
gender-based violence and discrimination.
​
​ Civil Society Organizations: NGOs, women's rights organizations, and
advocacy groups play a vital role in raising awareness, providing
support to survivors, and pushing for policy reforms. They often
engage in grassroots activism and mobilize communities for change.
​
​ Educational Institutions: Schools and universities can promote gender
equality by incorporating gender-sensitive curricula, addressing issues
of violence and harassment, and teaching students about healthy
relationships and consent.
​
​ Media and Entertainment Industry: The media, including television,
film, and news outlets, can influence societal attitudes and norms.
 Responsible media can help challenge harmful stereotypes and
promote positive portrayals of women.
​
​ Businesses and Employers: Employers can create safe and inclusive
workplaces by implementing anti-discrimination policies, providing
training on diversity and inclusion, and ensuring equal opportunities
for all employees, regardless of gender.
​
​ Community Leaders: Local community leaders, including religious
leaders, elders, and grassroots activists, can influence attitudes and
behaviors within their communities. They can advocate for change and
promote respectful and non-violent interactions.
​
​ Men and Boys: Men and boys have a crucial role to play in challenging
harmful masculinity norms, supporting women's rights, and actively
participating in efforts to end gender-based violence. They can be
allies and advocates for women's safety.
​
​ International Organizations: Multilateral organizations like the United
Nations and regional bodies can provide resources, guidelines, and
support for countries working to advance gender equality and women's
safety on a global scale.
​
​ Law Enforcement and Justice System: Police, prosecutors, and the
justice system play a vital role in investigating and prosecuting cases
of gender-based violence. Ensuring that these institutions take such
cases seriously and provide support to survivors is essential.
​
​ Healthcare Providers: Healthcare professionals can offer support to
survivors of gender-based violence, provide medical care, and connect
survivors with counseling and support services.
​
​ Individuals: Every individual can contribute to change by challenging
stereotypes, respecting others' boundaries, intervening in situations of
 harassment or violence, and advocating for gender equality in their
personal and professional lives.
​
​ Parents and Families: Families have a significant influence on shaping
values and attitudes. Parents can teach their children about respect,
consent, and gender equality, and model healthy relationships within
their households.
​
​ Technology and Social Media: The digital world can be a platform for
raising awareness, sharing information, and organizing campaigns for
women's rights and safety.

Bringing about change in women's society requires a coordinated effort from

all these stakeholders and more. It is a long-term process that involves
changing both laws and cultural norms, challenging deeply ingrained
attitudes, and fostering a commitment to gender equality and women's safety
at all levels of society.
"Women's safety is not just a women's issue; it's
a societal imperative. When women are safe,
society thrives."
Conclusion: Building a Safer and More Equal Future

In the journey to create a safer world for women, we have delved into the
depths of this multifaceted issue, examining its complexities, challenges, and
the potential for transformation. As we draw this exploration to a close, we are
reminded that women's safety is not a solitary cause but a profound call to
action for society as a whole.

Throughout history, women have endured the shadows of violence,

discrimination, and inequality. Yet, the remarkable strength and resilience of
women, combined with the unwavering support of allies and advocates, have
illuminated a path forward. We have learned that the responsibility for
women's safety does not rest solely on the shoulders of women; it is a
collective responsibility shared by all members of society.

As we navigate the complexities of this issue, let us remember that our

actions matter. Each voice raised, each hand extended in support, each policy
enacted, and each conversation started brings us one step closer to a safer,
more equitable world for women. We must continue to challenge harmful
norms, advocate for change, and create spaces where women can thrive
without fear.

In conclusion, let us be inspired by the progress we have made and the

potential that lies ahead. Let us stand united in our commitment to women's
safety, knowing that our collective efforts will shape a brighter, more equal
future for all. Together, as a society, we can build a world where women are
not just safe but empowered, where their voices are heard, and where the
light of equality shines brightly, guiding us toward a better tomorrow.