Pepper spray campaign to the rescue of Delhi women in distress

Amid increasing crime against women in the capital, a civil society group is all set to launch a cheap pepper spray to ensure safety of women under a campaign called 'mirchi jhonk'

Led by a doctor, Seema Malik, the campaign aims to form a human chain across the capital to ensure that immediate help is rushed to the victims by volunteers and members of that area.

"Over the last few months cases of rapes and assault have made it to the headlines with alarming frequency in Delhi. Instead of criticising police and the politicians, the public also needs to do something," says Malik.

According to police records, more than 400 rapes have been committed against the women in the capital.

The campaign gives and trains women for self-defence. The steps include carrying a pepper spray or a pack of red chillies in the bag to temporarily blind the attacker, walking on the pavements facing the traffic and keeping important telephone numbers on emergency dial.

The campaign also includes introducing a cheap variant of pepper sprays currently available in the market.

"The sprays in market are priced between Rs150 to Rs400. A woman living say in the slums cannot afford to spend that much that is where our spray will come in handy," says Malik.

A team of martial arts volunteers have also been roped in to teach women basic self-defence techniques in times of crisis. Also, there are street plays being conducted in various localities and colleges to spread the word.

"We are also contacting the RWAs in different areas to keep a vigil in their areas and install lights where there are long stretches of darkness which can be used by criminals against women," says Malik.

The group also runs a helpline for the women which it says has received 163 calls so far.

"We have not received a call till now where we need to rush immediate help for the victim. Counselling is being provided to women who have called the helpline as these are domestic and personal issues," she adds.

The initiative has been appreciated by the police and leaders, says Malik adding that all the police stations have promised their help to us.

There is a plan to launch a cab service exclusively for women, which is going to be driven by women drivers. It aims to secure women who reach  home late at night.

"We are working on the modalities and depending upon the response, we will decide further on this," says Malik.

On January 2, the group is scheduled to demonstrate self-defence techniques for women in the capital.