Woman have all the fundamental rights but it's about time “staying safe” is made one of their fundamental rights. Over a period of time, women have been often subject to rape, molestation, physical and mental abuse alongside other heinous crimes which seems to be on the rise day-by-day. From staying in a lonely apartment to travelling in cabs or posting pictures online - women feel unsafe! The growing rate of crimes against women has meant that personal safety is at a greater risk than ever before. Safety of women has always been a debatable issue in our country and it seems that a woman needs to be vigilant every single time whenever they step out of their houses! People keep telling one another that women should be respected and people need to create better and safe environment for women, but the harsh truth is that every woman has to fight for her own safety and they should never rely on anyone.
Hence, let's stand up and make a safe environment for ourselves. Let's stop depending on others to make us feel 'safe' and start working on our own personal safety measures:
- Just be a bit more cautious with your social networking presence. Always remember there's no lack of stalkers so avoid social-media check-ins when you go out anywhere. Keep your personal life personal instead of just being an open book.
- If walking by yourself, hold your cell phones and be ready to make an emergency call if you feel you need to. If the situation is out of control just don't forget to dial 100 to call for help.
- Always carry emergency cash whenever you go, and avoid withdrawing money from any ATM when you're alone.
- Download personal safety applications which are potential life savers and they are absolute free. - Bsafe, VithU, Smart 24x7, safetipin, shake2safety, Himmat are a few such apps.
- Say No to pepper spray, it is not a weapon, that's old school. Learn some basic self-defence techniques to protect yourself during an attack.
- You need to stay alert and know what is going on around yourself. If you feel someone is following you or something is not right even it seems, leave that place immediately and go somewhere crowded.
- When you're in an unfamiliar building, just use the Elevator and avoid the staircase to avoid assault.
- When you're partying in a pub, don't leave your glass of drink. Finish of the drink or keep the glass of drink in your hand so that no one gets any chance to spike it. Avoid leaving the party alone especially late at night.
- SPEAK UP and don't stay quiet. Speak up and yell back at them this will no only make others aware of your situation, it will help feel strong and vocal.
- While you travel don't walk with map in your hand. It is a dead give-away that you are a tourist therefore, you are an easy target. Walk with confident, as the saying goes “Most of the men fear women with confidence” just don't forget this and you're good to go.
