The brutal rape and murder of a doctor in a Kolkata hospital and the assault of underage children in a Badlapur school—these are not just tragic headlines; they are heartbreaking reminders of the dangers that women and children face every day in places that should be safe. As a father of a young girl, I am consumed by the pain of these parents, imagining the torment they endure, their lives shattered in an instant. The unimaginable suffering and fear these victims endured in their final moments is something no one should ever experience.
Despite all the progress we claim to make towards women’s empowerment and equality, these incidents reveal a harsh truth: safety remains elusive. My wife and I live in constant anxiety whenever our daughter is away, studying, or simply living her life. No place seems safe anymore—not schools, hospitals, offices or even gyms. We tell women to carry pepper spray, but what about young children? How can they defend themselves against such horrors?
It’s time we stop talking and start taking real, tangible action. Every educational institution, healthcare facility, office, and public space must be equipped with panic buttons—simple devices that can mean the difference between life and death. Imagine if every isolated area, like toilets, had these buttons. Wouldn’t that offer a chance—a fighting chance—for someone in distress to call for help?
I am emotional, and I am worried. As a parent and as a citizen, I cannot stand by and watch as more lives are shattered. I want to be part of the solution, and I believe that every child, every woman, every individual deserves that chance—to get help when they need it most.
Can this be part of a larger Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative? I invite NGOs and organisations committed to genuine empowerment to join me in exploring these solutions. Let’s not wait for another tragedy to force our hand. Let’s take proactive steps now to ensure safety is not just a privilege but a right for everyone.
I am ready to partner with any company or organization that shares this vision. Together, let’s create a future where our children, our loved ones, and our communities are protected—where no one has to face such fear and helplessness again.
– Manish Kamdar