Two weeks ago, when 26-year-old veterinarian Priyanka Reddy was raped and murdered in Hyderabad, it shook the nation in a manner similar to the 2012 Nirbhaya incident in Delhi. These and many other similar cases have raised questions of women’s security, putting every man under suspicion. But ever since the horrific incident took place, men across the country are coming out to help women by updating their Facebook status with their contact numbers and areas where they can be available to drop women home safely.
Mumbai-based theatre practitioner Shaad Ahmed started the initiative by putting up a Facebook post offering his help. This started a trend of sorts in other cities such as Bhopal, Jaipur, Gurugram and Indore. “There are many things and we can’t change them in one day, but at least we can begin with something,” says Ahmed, adding that there are laws and the police, but individuals also need to come forward to help. “Every man is seen with suspicion so it is a man’s responsibility to make women feel safer. Individual action is required,” he opines.
Several men have stepped up to the plate since Ahmed’s post, including Andheri-based Anku Parashar. “With so many cases of rape and murder, I feel it is time for individuals to come out and help women to feel safer,” says Parashar, who updated his Facebook status a few days after the incident to help women in Andheri. “We can’t change everyone but there are good people, and being one, I feel I can contribute towards a safer nation for women,” he adds.
Similarly, Thane resident Manoj Chauhan has also come forward to help women reach home safely at any hour. “I felt like joining this online initiative as a responsible citizen. If we can build this community, then there will be someone available for any girl facing challenges in any area in any city,” he explains.
While men like the aforementioned have noble intentions, women feel apprehensive about accepting the initiative. “I can’t trust any unknown person, but that depends on the situation too. Although this is a good initiative, women have been taken for granted for many years now, so it will take time for them to trust anyone,” says corporate trainer Richa Wadhwani.
Content writer Aditi Gandhi, who is in agreement, adds: “Remembering to ask for help at such times is also difficult. The men who want to help will make a difference for sure, but this way opens a door for more crime as well.”
The writer believes that a systematic law and official record of all these men coming out to help may develop trust in women towards the initiative. “There should be a system where police or responsible women communities can have records of those whom women can approach for help fearlessly,” she suggests.
It is only natural that the increasing number of crimes against women is eliciting women’s distrust of the unknown. “There will be apprehensions because that’s how the situation is these days,” says Parashar, to which Ahmed adds that it will take time to change people’s mentality. “It is not easy to develop that trust, but there are men who respect women and want to help them,” he says.
Vishal Thakur, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime, suggests that women should first approach the police when in crisis. “We recommend that women call police helpline numbers first; the local police will reach them the earliest. Calling people of the post may go wrong unless it is a verified number and account. It is appreciated to call the police helpline,” the DCP says in conclusion.
