Phone apps help women avoid harassment
Indian women can now feel safer in public by reporting sexual harassment through new web and mobile apps to seek help.
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| Indian women call for action against sexual harassment. Source: AP |
Speaking at the Thomson Reuters Foundation's annual conference, Singh said the SafeCity app limits public attention to victims, instead focusing on areas where sexual harassment is common, allowing timely action.
According to anti-women harassment campaigners, areas considered hotspots for harassment of women in India include poorly lit roads, street corners, crowded public transport, areas around public toilets, parking lots and parks.
Mr Singh added that apps like SafeCity, My Safetipin and Himmat ensure the confidentiality of the data of those who inform the authorities about harassment cases. Police in many Indian cities such as New Delhi, Gurgaon and Chandigarh encourage women in the country to use these apps to protect themselves and other women.
Safety is the biggest concern for women using public and private transport, according to a Reuters survey, while improving safety conditions for women in cities is a global focus.
Indian government statistics show that crimes against women in the country increased by more than 80% between 2007 and 2016./.
