Thousands of women rely on public transport for their daily commute in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area. To ensure emergency helpline numbers are accessible for women in distress, Alleima India has decided to continue its commitment to women’s safety by launching a bus advertisement campaign. It is critical that emergency contact numbers are readily available. The helpline information will, therefore, be featured on multiple buses in the PCMC, with large purple signs.

As part of the same initiative, Alleima India, a leading manufacturer of high-value-added products in advanced stainless steels and special alloys, is also distributing 13,500 leaflets, information cards, and stickers to all Damini officers, 22 police stations, and all of Maharashtra.

“Having worked with women and children for over a decade in India, it breaks my heart to see how unsafe they often are. The recent events in Pune have raised even more concerns about women’s safety. That’s why I’m so grateful to Alleima for partnering with us on this crucial issue. Together, we successfully launched a pilot program focused on women’s safety, and we’re excited to expand our efforts this year. When women are safe, they can fully empower the next generation, creating a brighter and more secure future for all,” says Caroline Audoir de Valter, Founder CEO, Hope for the Children Foundation.

“Ensuring safer public spaces for women requires action. Last year, we launched the Damini Sakhi initiative with key partners to improve community engagement with the police through training and support. Today, we took another step by flagging off the first PCMC bus under Sakhi Suraksha, making emergency helpline numbers more accessible for women while commuting. Small steps like these contribute to a more secure environment. Our commitment to creating safer public spaces remains steadfast,” said Sharath Satish, President of Alleima’s Business Unit Tube APAC.

The Damini Sakhi program is built on three core pillars: prevention, training, and awareness. It is being implemented under the leadership of Mrs. Sonal Patil, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), in collaboration with key stakeholders committed to women’s safety: - Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate - Hope for the Children Foundation (HFCF) - Alleima India

In association with: State Women’s Commission, Women and Child Development Department (WCD), and Centre for Police Research. The program included self-defence classes, awareness sessions, and specialised training to equip women with practical skills and knowledge.

Impact of the Damini Sakhi program - Since its launch, the Damini Sakhi program has reached significant milestones in prevention, protection, capacity-building, and redressal efforts: - 715 women trained in self-defence, equipping them with essential skills to handle threats. - 1,570 individuals participated in community awareness sessions on women’s rights and safety. - 3-4 lakh people were indirectly reached through the Purple Ribbon Campaign at the Alandi Yatra event. - 365 law enforcement officers trained in women’s safety issues to improve response mechanisms. - 13,500 IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials were distributed to raise awareness.

The new bus advertisement campaign is part of a larger program advocating women’s safety in the city of Pune. The program is based on three pillars: prevention, training, and awareness. This initiative is a part of the broader Damini Sakhi program, a safety and empowerment campaign launched in October 2024 in collaboration with Hope for the Children Foundation (HFCF), local law enforcement, and government stakeholders. A network of 25 high-resolution CCTV cameras is being installed across the PCMC area as part of the CSR initiative to improve women’s safety and security, a decision made in collaboration with the Dapodi Police Station by analyzing crime hotspots. The surveillance system is monitored by police inspectors, sub-inspectors, and the detective branch, enabling faster response times to incidents and improving overall safety. The initiative has also trained Damini Pathak officers—a dedicated safety squad under the Pune police—who actively patrol public areas, provide immediate assistance to women, and conduct educational workshops.

"Implementing effective campaigns for women's safety is the need of the hour. I wholeheartedly appreciate the initiative taken by Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, the Centre for Police Research, the Women and Child Development Department, Hope for the Children Foundation and supported by Alleima India Private Limited, to enhance women's security and awareness. Creating awareness in the community, training stakeholders, and spreading information through digital mobile vehicles, PMPL buses, videos, booklets, and leaflets are key highlights of this campaign. Ensuring women's protection and educating society about their rights is our collective responsibility. Such initiatives play a crucial role in empowering women and creating a safer environment for them. I sincerely congratulate all the organizations and individuals involved in this campaign and urge everyone to actively participate in this mission for a safer and more empowered society, says Mrs. Sonal Patil, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) below."

“The goal of the bus campaign is to spark awareness and encourage action by making helpline numbers more conspicuous and visible on public transport. As part of the next phase of the program, we are planning to add value by integrating technology, making it easier and quicker to get help. By working closely with the police, we are not only increasing surveillance but also strengthening the trust between law enforcement and the community. Together, we are working towards a future where women can live without fear,” says Saipriya Paranjape, Marketing Manager & Corporate Social Responsibility Business Unit Tube APAC.