Cops, you are tops: Community outfit felicitates relatively unknown policewomen

The lesser-known policewomen in V B Nagar police station are being recognised by the samiti

The Mahila Dakshata Samiti of Vinoba Bhave (VB) Nagar police station in Kurla West, marked International Women's Day last weekend by having a heart-warming celebration. The 11-year-old Samiti, comprising at least 200 women across societal strata from doctors, school principals to housemaids felicitated the women police personnel of the V B Nagar police station in the area at a function, held on March 12 to mark Women's Day. The function was held at a Kurla school.

The unknown

Anita Shetty, one of the leading lights of this trailblazing organisation that came up much before the current Nirbhaya Squad for women's safety said, "We decided to felicitate the lesser-known policewomen in V B Nagar police station. These are junior level personnel and administrators who are usually unknown. They are beat constables and what we can term as invisibles but hugely important. They may not have stars on their uniform lapels but they are behind-the-scenes workers, and we thought it was important that their contribution is acknowledged and recognised, with shawls, coconuts and a floral tribute."

Mahila Dakshata Samiti felicitated policewomen with shawls, coconuts and a floral tribute

A bridge

The samiti members stated they are a group of 200 women but there is a core group of approximately 50 women who are at the forefront of events. "What this samiti does is make a connection between the police and women. Women do not know whom to approach when they are going through domestic violence, perhaps to give just one example. They want to file a police complaint but are hesitant to do so because they do not know how to, lack the courage or are wary of a response from the police. When they approach us, we become that bridge between the police and the citizens," said the samiti members.

The 11 years in existence means there is solid credibility and the samiti is completely weaved into the fabric of the community. "We are the eyes and ears of the women here," said Shetty. She added, "We have celebrated women achievers from far and wide. This time we thought, why not look right under our noses, amongst us and acknowledge the unsung that work so hard to protect us."

Being accessible

Another samiti member Dr Anjali Talwalkar, a consulting gynaecologist who also works in the cancer prevention for women space added, "As a professional, I may get recognition on different platforms. Yet, we must look at those who are not ‘seen' in a manner of speaking, those who keep the wheels turning. I may not be directly involved with the police aspect. Yet, my efforts in cancer prevention especially for women give me a link with samiti's initiatives. This is also protection for women in the health aspect," concluded the doctor who has been practising for 25 years in the Kurla area.

Anita Shetty, member of Mahila Dakshata Samiti

Jean Gomes, headmistress of Michael High School and Marceline Junior College in Kurla and samiti member said, "The samiti's big advantage is its approachability. This is an ‘open window' avenue for women, we are extremely accessible and have made a very robust network here. The happiness on the policewomen's faces lit up the venue," stated Gomes.

The cases

The samiti recalled a case years ago where a baby was found in a dustbin. "A samiti member stated that she was certain the baby belonged to a local. We then found out that this was the baby of a 14-year-old girl who had been sexually assaulted by a 54-year-old man," said senior members. There are many such cases and the samiti members said that the top male cops have encouraged and acknowledged the good work done by them. "We are on-site in most cases and have witnessed policewomen work long hours. At times from 2 pm right till they go home which could be 2 am. There are so many who have lost their lives in the COVID battle. New-age women protection squads are good, personnel move around in patrol cars and there is a helpline number for women. These play a vital part too, but our outfit is an on-ground initiative, and that is the pivotal difference," they signed off.