Crime: Women to be armed with pepper spray

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Worried by the rising crime rate against women, especially those using public transport like the hapless Soumya, the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) is mooting self-defence measures that include use of pepper spray and pepper guns. The project is being rolled out in the next four months under the Kerala State Flagship Programme on Gender Awareness, 2011-12.“The Soumya murder case was an eye-opener for everyone in  society and it was the main spark behind this initiative. Self-defence measures like martial arts and products like pepper spray or pepper gun will help women immensely  to protect themselves from sudden attacks,” said Anaz AK, business development executive, KSWDC.“We are also trying to ensure the participation of NGOs working in the field of women empowerment. We have already invited expression of interest from experts in the field of self-defence programmes/ products and the project would take off in this financial year itself. We aim to build confidence among girls and women and make sure they can protect themselves against the sudden attacks or dangers on the way to school, colleges or work,” he said. Rana Singh, chief executive of Bangalore-based Aax Global that manufactures Cobra Spray - a pepper spray- and a pioneer in the field, said the Kerala initiative is a step forward to women empowerment.“Pepper spray is 20 times stronger than chilli powder and a second’s burst is enough to incapacitate the assailant for 30-45 minutes. The immediate result is a severe burning sensation in the eyes as the liquid penetrates the skin pores, forcing the assailant to keep his eyes closed for a while. The spray also causes a very heavy irritation in the mucus membrane inside the nasal cavity, thus giving the victim sufficient time to escape. Also, it does not cause any permanent injury or scars,” Singh said.    Sujamol Rajan, working with Alliance Cornhill in Technopark, who is a frequent user of public and private transport, said many women would go for self-defence courses and buy such products, given the current scenario where crime against women is on the rise. “The situation has changed in the state with many women now travelling alone for work and study purpose. Working women have to travel alone at odd-hours and self-defence is something that helps us build our confidence. It is a welcome initiative,” she said.