Pune: Damini Sakhi Campaign Launched in Pimpri Chinchwad to Enhance Women’s Safety

Pimpri Chinchwad, 22nd October 2024: In response to the increasing incidents of domestic violence and growing concerns about women’s safety, the Damini Sakhi Campaign was launched on Monday, in Pimpri Chinchwad. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Pimpri Chinchwad Police, District Legal Service Authority (DLSA), Women and Child Development Department (WCD), the State Women’s Commission, along with Hope for the Children Foundation and Alleima. The program aims to create a safer environment for women and raise awareness about their rights and available safety measures.

The campaign has been implemented under the guidance of the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner, Vinoy Kumar Choubey, to ensure comprehensive safety measures for women in the community.

The launch event featured several distinguished guests, including:

1. Sudhir G. Barde, Judicial Magistrate, District Sessions Court, Pune
2. Dr. Caroline Audieur de Velter, CEO, Hope for the Children Foundation, Pune
3. Balasaheb Kopner, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Pimpri Chinchwad
4. Shakil Sheikh, Head of Program, Hope for the Children Foundation, Pune
5. Madhuri Pokle, Sub-Inspector of Police, Damini Incharge, Pimpri Chinchwad
6. Adv. Parikrama Khot, Legal Officer, Sakhi One-Stop Centre
7. Param Anand, Assistant Manager, Hope for the Children Foundation, Pune
8. Vinoy Kumar Choubey, Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner
9. Saipriya Paranjape, Communications and CSR Lead, Alleima India

The campaign was officially inaugurated by Sudhir G. Barde, who emphasized the urgent need for women’s safety in India, particularly in light of the rising domestic violence cases. He commended the Damini squad for their dedication, referring to them as “Durga Sakhi,” and recognized the role of Damini Phatak in ensuring safety in Pune.

Dr. Caroline Audieur de Velter, CEO of Hope for the Children Foundation, called for collective action, saying, “Women’s safety cannot be guaranteed by a few organizations alone. It requires the combined efforts of law enforcement, community leaders, and the general public to bring about real change.”

Balasaheb Kopner highlighted the importance of preventive measures and collaborative efforts between the police and community members to safeguard women’s rights. He reiterated the police department’s commitment to protecting women.

Sonal Patil, Secretary of Pune District Legal Service Authority, added, “Through the Damini Sakhi Campaign, the District Legal Service Authority is committed to offering free legal aid to women in need, ensuring access to justice and necessary resources for protection and empowerment.”

The event also featured a training session on women’s rights and legal protections, led by Adv. Parikrama Khot from the Sakhi One-Stop Centre, who provided detailed insights into the legal frameworks designed to safeguard women.

The Damini Sakhi Campaign is built around three core pillars: Prevention, Training, and Awareness. Some of the key initiatives introduced during the event included:

– Safety Squad – Damini Pathak: Focused on enhancing women’s security and preventing harassment and violence.
– Poster Campaign: Aimed at raising awareness about women’s safety.
– CCTV Installation: Strengthening the safety of women by increasing surveillance in key areas.
– Self-Defense Training: Empowering women in the community with self-defense skills.
– Counseling Support: Offering women access to resources for mental well-being and grievance redressal.