Society mindset change must to ensure women safety: Dikshit

Sheila Dikshit underlined the need for bringing a positive change in the "mindset" of the society to ensure safety of women.

New Delhi: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday underlined the need for bringing a positive change in the "mindset" of the society to ensure safety of women in the city and said only police action cannot bring down crime against the fairer sex.

At a programme organised under the `Awaj Uthao` campaign, which was launched to encourage women to lodge complaint against any form of harassment, Dikshit said each and every citizens must contribute to build a better society.

Dikshit said sensitivity of the police has improved little bit and much more needed to be done to enhance security for women.

Highlighting efforts of the Delhi Government to ensure safety of women, she said the 181 helpline for women, which was launched in the wake of the December 16 gang-rape, has received over two lakh calls in the last eight months.

Officials said most of the calls received by the round- the-clock helpline were related to stalking, eve-teasing, obscene calls, sexual abuse and domestic harassment.

The helpline was launched on December 31 last year to help women in distress and check the increasing rate of crime.

"The helpline has been integrated with Delhi Police and other agencies involved in providing services to women," she said.

Dikshit said efforts of her government had resulted in establishment of five fast track courts in the city.

"Our government has also been releasing monthly pension up to Rs 1,500 per month to the widows and separated women from poor families," she said.

The Awaz Uthao campaign has been launched to encourage women to lodge complaint against any form of harassment and inspire citizens to join hands to make a "better society", officials said.

Representatives of women organisations, Mahila Panchayats and Gender Resource Centres were present on the occasion.

PTI

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