Inching a step closer to the launch of Safe City programme and
‘Sabala’, an initiative for security of women in the city, the
Corporation is planning to convene a meet to evaluate the steps taken so
far in this regard.

Accordingly, the meeting which will be held
on August 30 will discuss in     detail the plans designed to ensure
maximum safety to women while commuting   using public transport and
going to school thereby preventing sexual harassment and violence
against them.

The proposed plan was launched as per the study
conducted by women’s  organisations, which identified major spots in the
city that are unsafe for women.

The Corporation has launched the
Safe City project by joining hands with Sakhi, Anweshi and Samanwaya.
“The representatives of the various women empowerment organisations will
attend the evaluation meet. A collective action is essential for
implementing programmes aiming to end violence against women. On the
basis of the recommendations, we will work on an action plan that will
make Kochi a safe city for women,” Deputy Mayor B Bhadra said.

Earlier,
the Corporation has also announced a few ambitious projects under the
special proposal titled ‘Sabala’. The various projects include free
education for children from homes with only women,  a modern lodge
exclusively for women where the entire staff will be women and an
women-only buses .

“Besides, we are planning to carry out the
other key proposal mooted in the budget for the safety of women. These
include special counselling session for students along with awareness
campaigns in colleges and schools on the evils of mobile phones and
internet, “ Bhadra added.

The Corporation is also planning to
launch more awareness campaigns for the safety of women. “Our plan is to
prevent violence against the women by raising awareness among the
public,” the deputy mayor added.