How can Pakistani women protect themselves from harassment?

According to a local media report, Pakistan has registered almost 10,000 complaints this year so far from only Sindh in the subject in connection to violence or abuse against women.

Unfortunately, the streets of Pakistan are not safe for women anymore. The horrific rape turned murder case of Noor Mukadam was not an isolated incident but comes against a backdrop of regular threats and harassment of women.

Every day, a new and worse case emerges about a woman, child, or teenage girl being raped and brutally abused. Sadly, these cases are increasing day by day and no strict action is taken against the culprits.

Women cannot stop going out of fear and stay forever at their homes. But they can somehow prevent the unfortunate incidents by carrying essential stuff with them and preparing themselves ready for any type of alarming situation they encounter. 

Here are six ways Pakistani women can protect themselves if they feel alarmed or fear any trouble:

Taser

Buy a taser as soon as possible and keep it with you in the bag. Those who are wondering what Taser is? Well, it is an electroshock weapon used to incapacitate targets via shocks that temporarily impair the target’s physical function. This temporary imparity allows the victim to skip escape from the situation. 

Since the rape cases have reportedly increased in Pakistan, tasers have to become a mandatory item in a handbag. You can buy it online and from a shop.

Pepper spray

Pepper spray is equipped with a safety mechanism for self-defense and to prevent oneself from accidental discharge. Women who are feeling threatened while traveling alone or with a stranger must keep it with them in a bag as a safety precaution. It is totally legal.

Homemade pepper spray

If we talk about purchasing such stuff, then some of us can buy pepper spray as it might be costly for a few but not there is a substitute available for it that is too cheap.

All you need is a mixture of oil, pepper, a lot of red chili powder, and water placed in a spray bottle with you.

In case of emergencies, you can just have to take it out and spread it directly on the eyes if possible. Otherwise, it does cause a rash on the skin.

Always share details

Make this a habit, add this to your routine; always share details of your local rickshaw driver or app-hailing cabs while traveling alone. Share your live location with a trusted source from friends or family in case of an emergency.

Self-defense

Go for ‘Self-defence training’, it is equally important for women to shoot with guns first. Learning few moves can help you defend yourself in times of need and extreme emergencies.

Call helpline 

Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) has established a mechanism to receive related complaints from women and children on its regular helpline 1099.