Why Women Have To Take Their Security In Their Own Hands?

by Karan Thapa Business And Marketing

The safety of women has become a major issue the world over. It is not limited to some countries which have a dismal record of women rights but is now a major cause of concern in advanced countries like the USA, UK, and France. Apart from this, many developing countries where such incidents were rare are now reporting such cases in large number.

The situation is no better back home. In India, according to a report released by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) crimes against women have more than doubled over the past ten years. As many as 2.24 million crimes against women were reported over the past decade. The shocking statistics is enough to give a jolt - 26 crimes against women are reported every hour, or one complaint every two minutes!

This clearly reveals the trend that women are far more vulnerable now than they were a decade back. It also shows that the civic authorities have limitations and fail to give effective protection to women in need. So now women must take their security rather seriously and take effective measures to deal with the menace. It must be understood here that women are not vulnerable in blind alleys and isolated places they are vulnerable in their offices as well which are considered to be a safe place.

However, taking some preventive steps can ensure their safety in workplaces.

Here are some safety tips for the workplace for women. Though they are not comprehensive and enough to deal with all situations they can help substantially.

1) First thing first is aware of the hazards of your job or workplace. Know the place, entry and exit points, alarms, etc. fully well and try them at least once.

2) If you find anything suspicious raise alarm and inform your supervisor about it. He is legally obligated to ensure their employees have a safe working environment and will take care of the unsafe conditions and make them safe for you and your coworkers.

3) Do not be too social or mingle easily with strangers in your office. Stay sober avoid drinks with strangers and meeting them after office hours.

4) Always be relaxed and alert in the office. Stress can lead to depression and concentration problems. Common causes of workplace stress include long hours, heavy workload, job insecurity and conflicts with coworkers or managers.

5) Be mindful of what you wear- avoid flashy dresses and high heels. Wear proper office dress that is socially acceptable. Improper dressing and heavy makeup give chance to others to target you.

6) Always keep some kind of self-defense tools like pepper spray in your purse. Do practice how to reach it and use it effectively.

7) Never allow your boss or colleagues to talk loosely with you. If they do so do not indulge in it and walk away. Report if you will to the authorities of indecent behavior. But never pick up a quarrel with your colleagues that may make them jittery and vindictive.

8) Women are most vulnerable in offices in their night shifts or when they leave late in the office cab or bus. Never doze off in the speeding cab or while on duty. Always tell your security officer of your presence and how long you would be there.

9) Last but not the least, do not shy to raise alarm and run from the scene if required. Avoid taking on the assailant but if you have to do it, use your full force and use self-defense tool effectively.