Grand Inauguration of the First Regional Conference on Women’s Safety and Empowerment
Deliberations on Women’s Safety: Policy Initiatives Through the Bhopal Declaration
Bhopal, March 8, 2025 – The first regional conference on “Safe Cities and Public Spaces: Strategic Forecast and Upcoming Priorities” was inaugurated by Honorable Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav at Minto Hall, Bhopal. Organized under the joint aegis of the Women’s Safety Branch, UN Women, the Tourism Department, and the Narohna Academy of Administration, the conference was hosted at RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration and Management, Bhopal.
Diverse Participation from Various Sectors
The conference witnessed participation from senior police officials, including IG Jabalpur, DIG Ujjain, DIG Bhopal, trainee Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), inspectors, and sub-inspectors from various zones. Representatives from NGOs such as Jansahas, Sangini, Uday, Aarambh, Chaitanya, Awaaz, IJM, and AAS were also present. Officials from the Tourism Department, Soldier Welfare, PWD, NITI Aayog, OSC, PHE, Directorate of AYUSH, SPA Bhopal, and Ayurveda students, along with representatives from the Chief Minister’s Office, actively participated in the discussions on women’s safety and public space security.
Global Perspectives on Women’s Safety
Catherine Travers, Policy Expert at UN Women Headquarters, emphasized the importance of implementing safety policies in practice rather than limiting them to paperwork. She highlighted key issues such as urban mobility for women, secure public transportation, and digital safety, stressing the need for stronger frameworks and actionable policies.
A Landmark Initiative for Women’s Security
Special Director General of Police (Women’s Safety Branch) Pragya Richa Srivastava hailed the conference as a milestone in ensuring women’s security. She emphasized the need for policy coordination to make cities and public spaces safer for women and girls.
Economic Empowerment and Psychosocial Support for Women
Anupam Rawat from UN Women stressed the significance of economic empowerment and psychosocial support for women. She pointed out that small investments and skill training could help women achieve self-reliance, stating, “If the government cannot provide employment at all times, equipping women with entrepreneurial skills is a major contribution to their empowerment.”
Rising Cyber Crimes Against Women
ADG (Cyber Crime) Sai Manohar raised concerns over the increasing cases of cybercrime against women and children, many of which go unreported. He noted the alarming rise in misuse of private images and videos and called for stricter action under the IT Act, 2000, along with increased awareness and reporting mechanisms.
Gender-Responsive Policing Initiatives
Additional CP (Crime), Mumbai Police, Shashikumar Meena emphasized the need for gender-responsive policing. He spoke about Mumbai Police’s “Kaka” initiative, which encourages female students to openly share their concerns. Additionally, Mumbai has been promoting initiatives such as Mobile Victim Support Units, Mohalla Committees, and One-Stop Centers to enhance women’s safety.
Beyond Physical Safety: Emotional and Psychological Well-being
ADG (Training) Sonali Mishra highlighted that women’s safety extends beyond physical security and includes mental and emotional well-being. She stressed the importance of CCTV surveillance, proper lighting in public spaces, and swift police response mechanisms to enhance safety measures.
Breaking Social Barriers for Women
Anupam Rawat shed light on the societal and psychological restrictions imposed on women, urging for gender sensitivity and equal opportunities to ensure women’s freedom and independence.
Bhopal Declaration for Policy Change
The conference concluded with an address by Shri J.N. Kansotiya (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Government of Madhya Pradesh. He emphasized the growing challenges of urbanization and women’s participation in public spaces, calling for stronger law enforcement, technological intervention, equal education opportunities, safe public transport, and inclusive policies.
He also announced that the Madhya Pradesh government is set to release the “Bhopal Declaration”, aimed at bringing policy-level changes to ensure a safer environment for women. The recommendations and insights from the conference will be submitted for governmental consideration to drive policy implementation and strategic action.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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