India’s tourism ministry launches campaign to show women safe in India

NEW DELHI: India’s tourism ministry has launched a campaign throughout its government’s overseas offices to highlight that women are safe in India after a poll of experts ranked the nation as the most dangerous country for women.

A letter sent to Indian diplomatic missions, trade and hospitality, and tourism offices on July 6 listed a series of safety initiatives taken since the fatal gang-rape of a student in New Delhi in December 2012 which triggered global outrage.

The letter was sent after 548 experts in women’s issues surveyed by the Thomson Reuters Foundation ranked India as the most dangerous country for women, above Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia and Saudi Arabia.

The tourism ministry said the 2012 murder had led to tougher anti-rape laws and four out of five women tourists felt safe in the country, urging all government offices to publicise these facts to address concerns people may have about visiting India.

“These efforts are showing results and the life of the average Indian woman is far improved as compared to a decade before,” read the letter, a copy of which the Ministry of Tourism shared with the Thomson Reuters Foundation on Thursday.

The letter highlighted support mechanisms, such as one- stop centres and women’s helplines, that have been set up since 2012 and legal changes paving the way for tougher punishments for offences against women, including for acid attacks and stalking.

It also pointed to moves by the tourism ministry, such as a roundtheclock toll- free multilingual tourist helpline launched in 12 languages and social awareness media campaigns that highlight the importance of good behaviour towards tourists.

“The above facts may be publicised to address any queries or misapprehensions relating to the issue of security of tourists visiting India,” the letter said.