Safer cities for women: Sakhi charts action plan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: To make the cities safer for women,  Sakhi Women’s Resource Centre, a capital-based NGO, is about to come up with an action plan in coordination with various departments.In the background of the findings of its study - ‘Are cities in Kerala safe for women?’ - Sakhi has formulated the plan to ensure the safety of women. The plan includes suggestions like special training to police personnel, especially those who manage 1091 - the emergency call number of police, wide and proper publicity of 1091, simplifying the process of complaining to police, setting up support group in all police stations, and strengthening Jana Maithri police.“Last year also, we submitted suggestions to various departments and government bodies. One among the suggestions was to issue identity cards to autorickshaw drivers which has been recently implemented by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation,” said Rejitha G, resource person, Sakhi.Sakhi’s action plan also includes a safe city campaign like making documentaries and advertisements on violence against women in public places and ensuring safe transportation by providing 24 hours prepaid auto, taxi services and facility for spot registration of complaints in KSRTC. Another suggestion is to strengthen district women police cells by providing more power to take independent actions and by providing gender training. “Set up short stay homes for women who face violence at home, those who are rescued by police from various spots and those who reach cities alone during night. Unutilised buildings of the Corporation could be used for this purpose,” the action plan recommends.The plan incorporates various departments, mainly Police and Transport, and self-help groups like Kudumbashree. As a first step to implement it, ‘Sakhi’ will conduct a meeting in Kochi in coming July.“Last year, we conducted the study in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. This year, it was in Thrissur and Ernakulam. Some of the recommendations like issuing name badge for KSRTC conductors are pending,” said Rejitha.