Akeli ladki khuli hui tijori ki tarah hoti hai,
Pata hai tumhare saath kya kya ho sakta hai... '
(But you are a GIRL!!!
A lone girl is like an open Safe/Treasure Chest,
Do you know what all can happen with you..)
Dialog
from the Hindi Movie, ‘Jab We Met’. The particular scene in which the film's protagonist, Geet misses her train and gets to hear these 'wise-words' from the elderly Station-master always makes me squirm...
Being a girl/woman in today's age is a challenge. Smart Suraksha or Smart Protection is a MUST. It pays to be aware.
Being a girl/woman in today's age is a challenge. Smart Suraksha or Smart Protection is a MUST. It pays to be aware.
Here are my Tips for Smart Suraksha:
1. Trust your Instincts - Women have a keen sixth-sense. Try to exercise it more often. If you smell anything fishy, STAY AWAY.
When my friends asked for 'lift' and boarded that car in Delhi a decade ago, they did even after sensing something amiss. But, once the car started racing, they realized that they should have trusted their instincts and not boarded it at all in the first place.
2. Use your Handbag & items in it as a Weapon - I feel an average Handbag or Purse is pretty heavy (mine is as I carry my World in it!) and can be employed as a weapon!
Makes sense to carry items like Umbrella, Water-Bottle, sharp objects like screw-driver or Multi-Utility set like Swiss-Army Set consisting of knife etc that can be individually used to attack.
3. Handy to keep a Pepper Spray and Chilli Powder - Use these in case threatened. The sale of Pepper Spray has gone up considerably after the infamous Nirbhaya & Photo Journalist case... Let not it be a case of locking the stable after the horse is stolen.
4. Plastic Toys like Lizards or Frogs - About 60% of the population fears Lizards! Makes sense to keep some models handy to surprise attackers! :)
5. Target the Attackers Weak Points - Eyes are the most sensitive areas of human-body that we can target when we are attacked. Even hitting the attacker on his groin will help. Using our strong elbows and knees should be helpful. Use your nails & teeth, if required.
6. Use Smart Sense & Tried & Tested Tips - Be smart, look confident and be alert. Attackers attack women who are busy, say on their mobile or not paying attention... If you are paying attention, at least later, you can help the Police with the description.
This is an old trick that never fails- When confronted by attacker, Say - "LOOK WHO IS BEHIND YOU!" The attacker is sure to turn back! Then, you get some precious moments to RUN & MAKE A GET AWAY!
Running away in a zigzag way, instead of a straight line, can confuse or tire the attacker!
7. Use Your Voice As A Weapon! Shouting or shrieking while simultaneously running to make a getaway should attract attention & hopefully get some Good Samaritans to help.
8. Keep Loved Ones Informed About Your Whereabouts & Try Not To Travel Alone & Especially Avoid When It's Dark or Deserted - Keep in touch more often e.g. while checking into a place, say coffee-shop, inform with whom you are there and where it is located.
Travelling in a group is safe. In the recent Delhi and Mumbai Rape cases, the victims did have male friends with them, still they had to go through the ordeal...
9.Use Technology to the Optimum Advantage - Adopt a Smartphone & upgrade safety-status further. Be wise to use Chatting for your use to connect and keep loved ones informed. But, always make sure your phone's battery is optimally charged. Carry extra Portable Battery-Chargers that are available these days and can be a savior in case your phone has run out of charge...Using a post-paid mobile-connection is helpful as we can make unlimited calls. But, in case you have prepaid connection, please ensure sufficient balance in your cell. We must be forever ready with our Smartphone that can save our life.
10. Be Tech-Savvy & Smart & adopt Smart Apps like the Smart Suraksha App.
The Smart Suraksha App ensures that we are confident of our safety as well as aware of the safety of our loved ones. An additional feature of this app is that along with our message for help to our loved ones and Police, it also sends across our location even if the GPS on our cellphone is switched off.
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Thus, women can be reassured that there is help available at all times. All they need is to smartly download & use the Smart Apps.
Prevention is always better than the cure.
High time we adopt Safety Tips and be safe.
I also shared SEEKING SMART SURAKSHA.
I'll love your comments. Please do share your thoughts below...
