- WhatsApp helpline launched to ensure safety of women, girls
- Tech-driven initiative empowers women with quick, private support
In a significant move towards empowering women and improving their safety, the Bhandara police have initiated a WhatsApp-based helpline to extend timely support to women and girls facing distress. The district police unveiled the initiative on May 3, this technology-driven initiative shows the district police's determination to introduce accessible, responsive, and citizen-friendly policing.
The initiative of Bhandara Superintendent of Police Noorul Hasan, the helpline fits in with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's dream of technology-based governance and policing. It is another major initiative of the Bhandara police after previous tech-enabled initiatives, including a chatbot on cyber awareness and an artificial intelligence-enabled health app for police officers.
Women in distress are now able to give a quick message on WhatsApp number 7447470100, and the police will immediately respond by requesting local units to extend required assistance. One of the major features of the service is that it can be used in Marathi, eliminating barriers of communication and offering local people inclusivity.
Whether in danger or need of immediate guidance, women can send "Help" or "Sahayya" to invoke the response mechanism. The system has been made simple and easy to use even a simple message from a woman's mobile phone will ring an alarm in the police control room and prompt instant action.
This helpline isn't simply a piece of technology; it's a tool for trust-building and empowering women in Bhandara. By ensuring that all interactions remain confidential and safe, the police have established a platform that makes women feel comfortable stepping forward without apprehension.
It's about empowering each woman to feel safe and cared for," said SP Hasan. "It's a move towards a safer and more responsive community.
With this effort, Bhandara establishes a strong example for other districts to emulate demonstrating that technology, if applied with purpose, can really save and empower.
