In the current climate, where incidents of violence and harassment against women continue to rise, an immediate and effective step the government must take is to strengthen local police responsiveness in a women-centric and sensitive manner.

Many women hesitate to report crimes due to fear of judgment, delays, or lack of trust in the system. To address this, every police station must have a dedicated Women Help Desk, staffed with trained female officers available round the clock. This would encourage more reporting and ensure that complaints are handled with care and urgency.

States like Telangana have shown success through SHE Teams, mobile police units that actively patrol public spaces and respond to distress calls. Expanding such models across the country can create safer public environments.

In addition, improving safety in public transport through panic buttons, real-time monitoring, and stricter driver background checks can significantly reduce everyday risks for women.

Ultimately, women’s safety depends not just on laws but on how quickly and empathetically the system responds. The focus should be on creating an environment where women feel protected, not only in policy but in practice.