In an effort to create awareness against sexual harassment in public places, Durga Foundation, a city-based NGO, in collaboration with the NLSIU and city police, launched the ‘active bystanders initiative’ to help the victims of sexual harassment.
As part of the programme, under the banner “ D.A.R.E. TO CARE: Say no to sexual harassment,” a team of Durga Foundation visits public places in 112 police stations across the city to create awareness and sensitise the public towards their duties and action and create an attitude shift towards such incidents.
The programme started in August this year and covered around 2,000 people from all walks of life. It is planned to cover a total of 5,600 members, with 50 people from each station, Priya Varadarajan, head of the foundation, told The Hindu.
Elaborating on the programme, Ms. Varadarajan said the programme includes a combination of things, including a proactive approach and boosting confidence and empowerment among the volunteers. The team ropes in street vendors, pourakarmikas, and autorickshaw drivers who can extend help. Volunteers are covering public places like bus stops, marketplaces, BMTC buses, metro trains, and other public gatherings to create awareness through street plays and door-to-door campaigns. This programme also helps to identify the volunteers as heroes to train and motivate them.
Once volunteers agree, training will be provided on how to handle a situation, measures to be taken if they come across such a situation and how to resolve it amicably. After completion of the session, the volunteers will be awarded certificates and medals as “ Durga” real heroes.
“If anyone confronts such a situation and notices women being harassed, the first step is to distract to interrupt the situation. The second step is to approach the victim and ask them directly if they are okay and need help. This would deter the harasser and make them step back. The third step is rallying to bring in others to join and support from passers-by or from the police to contain the situation. The fourth step will be extending support – where volunteers offer to walk them home or call a ride to instil confidence and ensure safety,” Ms. Varadarajan said.
The idea is to step up, speak out, and dare to care, which is the need of the hour, where efforts to change public response from apathy to action, she added.
Published – December 02, 2024 11:33 pm IST
