On the eve of Women’s Day, the need for creating awareness among the feminine gender to defend themselves becomes essential and imperative. This has become inevitable due to increased incidence of attacks on women by auto-drivers demanding excess fare, purse snatching by bikers, eve teasers, moral policing by fundamentalists and anti-social elements.

One of the silent personal security ammunition for females nowerdays is the pepper sprays which is sold in aerosol cans. They can be used from a distance of 8 feet as per experiments. The sales of these pepper sprays have spiked 300% in metros such as Bangalore, New Delhi, Hyderabad & Mumbai.

Another vital ammunition for women can be cigarette lighters, which can be used to burn the ropes in case of kidnapping. Along with aerosol perfume it can become a weapon to burn the attacker. If one had seen an olden James Bond flick one can see how effective, Sean connery used it to burn a Cobra from attacking. A security alarm can also be used in ladies purse, by triggering off an alarm if the purse is snatched. Some Hong kong based firms are marketing such alarms.

The security cover for women should also involve technology. A cellphone emergency no if activated should send a direct alert to police control room, which in turn should trigger the nearest patrol van. When GPS technology introduced in cellphone can effectively find direction, position the photo location, it could also quickly guide the security to protect the women in trouble. Will the cops wake up to this technology upgradation.

Further the need for technology to cover ATM cards, which can alert robbery or forced withdrawl. Internationally the ATM pin code can be used effectively to alert the authorities. For example if the PIN is 2333 and if used in the reverse 3332 would also discharge the currency but it would trigger the alert. Please check with your bankers whether they are providing this facility. If not suggest and demand for the same.

There are many other novel means of defending oneself with various other simple means such as chilly powder spraying, Victronix multi-utility, I-Pills, Nail polish spirit, etc. Some women too are equipped with skills of Karate and Judo to protect themselves.

The anti-social elements are unleashing more crimes against women none of the cities are safe haven for women populace in general. Moral police is only a minor issue when compared to anti-social elements who take advantage of the situation. Legal protection in the form of domestic violence, women’s commission and even police come to aid only after the crime is committed. But the need to equip oneself is very essential maybe if someone can share their novel methods of defending against attacks it would serve as a learning for all the women.

Wishing all the female MSIANS a happy women’s day.