Priyanka Chopra On her visit to Lucknow, she spoke to police officers in Mumbai and discussed concerns about the safety of women in Uttar Pradesh. In a video posted by the global star on Instagram, we see her walking with some officials and allaying fears that women will be out in the state after 7 pm. The officer, UNICEF’s goodwill ambassador, takes PeeCee to the control room to show her some data.
Sharing the video, Priyanka wrote a detailed caption sharing her opinion. “The safety and security of women is an urgent need. We hear many stories of violence and harassment against women and girls from across India. A lot of work needs to be done and it starts with the most basic… safety. Law and By arrangement/police,” she wrote.
“I had the opportunity to visit 1090 Women Power Line (WPL)”, a 24/7 phone line of Uttar Pradesh to freely register complaints of any kind of atrocities and sexual harassment for women. I met Ms. Neera Rawat (IPS, Additional Director). Women and Child Protection Organisation, General of UP Police) who heads the Women and Child Protection Organisation, UP Police in Lucknow under which this initiative is based.”
Sharing the details of the initiative, the actress also shared some data. “WPL has 154 offices in UP with 24-hour service. Through the 1090 helpline, the police, as a first response to any violence, have designed interventions that are victim-centric and to prevent violence. WPL uses technology to be able to respond with speed and be secure while ensuring accountability for every call.
“From eve-teasing and stalking to cases of sexual harassment and domestic violence, etc., the teams are trained to put the safety of the callers at the fore. In India, violence against women and children is widespread, yet very prevalent. All are women and children’ not reporting this. Due to fear of prejudice and corruption but hopefully with this kind of helpline they can and they should. Much more needs to be done for women’s safety. But initiatives like this are a great start and if implemented effectively, could be the answer to preventing and ending violence and ensuring safety,” she shared in the post.
For Unseed, Priyanka was in India as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, traveling to some rural areas of Uttar Pradesh as well as promoting her haircare brand. Priyanka visited Lucknow to see the work being done by UNICEF and its partners to end violence and discrimination against girls in the state.