Rehan Khan
In light of the escalating incidents of harassment against women, Desi Kaanoon, a leading legal news portal, has taken a proactive step to ensure the safety of its female team members and interns by gifting them pepper spray.
This decision was made following a distressing incident in Delhi, where a senior team member’s friend was harassed in broad daylight. A man forcibly grabbed her hand, attempting to pull her out of an auto-rickshaw, leaving scratches on her hand while saying, “Mere saath chal” (“Come with me”). Shockingly, despite the presence of bystanders and the auto driver, no one intervened to assist her, highlighting the urgent need for women to have means of self-defense.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Desi Kanoon’s team unanimously decided to provide pepper spray to their female members and interns as a necessary measure for personal safety. This initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to the well-being of its female members and interns and underscores the broader need for society to take women’s safety seriously. Pepper spray, a non-lethal self-defense tool, temporarily incapacitates attackers, providing victims a chance to escape from dangerous situations. By equipping their female members with this tool, Desi Kanoon aims to empower them to protect themselves in the face of unforeseen threats.
This move by Desi Kanoon also serves as a reminder of the continuing issue of women’s safety in public spaces across India. While providing tools for self-defense is crucial, the ultimate goal should be to create a society where women can feel safe and secure without the need for such measures.
As an organization rooted in the legal field, Desi Kanoon hopes this action will raise awareness about the ongoing issue of harassment and inspire other organizations to take similar steps in safeguarding their female members and interns. The team remains committed to advocating for stronger legal protections for women and fostering a culture of respect and safety for all.