Use social media cautiously, Himachal govt tells women
SHIMLA :In its attempt to provide protection to women, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, released a handbook on women safety here on Wednesday.
Brought out by the Shimla administration, the handbook titled ‘Mahila Suraksha’, talks about measures required for personal safety and safeguards regarding crimes, including sexual harassment at workplace and advises women to be cautious while using social media.
It asks women not to share personal information on social media, especially with strangers and advises them to update their privacy setting on social networking sites regularly.
“Do not meet any person alone, whom you know only through social media,” the booklet suggests.
Women have also been advised to keep pen, pencil, comb, scarf, deodorant, pin, key, phone charger and phone with them.
The booklet further suggests women to also keep pepper spray with them.
It provides information on what and how to do if someone has an emergency situation.
The booklet also informs womenfolk about crime against them, including stalking and its legal aspects.
Class 9th student, Ojasvi Chauhan, said the handbook has all the information that a girl should have for her safety. “We were not aware of many things. This book has new techniques, legal knowledge for females,” she said.
The handbook was released in Braille in both English and Hindi to help the visually impaired. It also contains important telephone and helpline numbers.
“Women safety booklet in Braille is a new initiative and useful for us,” said a visually impaired girl Muskaan.
The CM said the efforts of the district administration for bringing out a handbook will be of great help to girls.
“These booklets will be distributed in schools across the district. The administration should use video clips to make women aware regarding their safety,” Thakur said.
Education minister Suresh Bhardwaj said safety of women is a serious issue and government is serious about it.
Shimla deputy commissioner Amit Kashyap said around 10,000 booklets have been printed to be disbursed in schools across the district.
Shimla was in the news last year for Gudiya rape and murder. The BJP, which was then in opposition, had made the issue its poll plank.