INTRODUCTION

Our B.SAFE initiative is dedicated to advancing the safety and empowerment of women and children in Bengaluru with a laser focus. Born from the urgent need to address the rising incidents of crimes, B.SAFE has been tirelessly working to create a city where women and children feel secure—whether in schools, workplaces, public spaces, or their own homes.

The B.SAFE team actively engages stakeholders across the board, collaborating to find and implement practical solutions at the grassroots level. The mission includes developing critical action plans to prevent violence, raising awareness on safety measures, advocating for stringent implementation of laws, conducting gender sensitisation workshops, educating citizens on judicial recourse, auditing public spaces for safety, and more.

Partnering with the government, police, and key organisations, B.SAFE is determined to reinforce that safety is a collective responsibility shared by all. Below are the key initiatives undertaken since its inception:

2014

1. Installed CCTV Cameras In Police Stations

August, 2014: Registering FIRs, especially for women, has often been a daunting experience at police stations. B.PAC addressed this issue by engaging with the Police Commissioner, resulting in a positive commitment. To enhance transparency and accountability, it was decided to install CCTV cameras in all Bengaluru police stations in phases. B.PAC took the lead in initiating this project, starting with local stations. Forty-eight CCTV cameras were successfully installed in 48 out of 108 police stations, promoting a more citizen-friendly policing environment. This collaboration between B.PAC and the Bangalore City Police was a significant step towards ensuring safer and more welcoming police stations for all. Read more

2. ‘The Walk For A Safe City’ On International Women's Day

March 8, 2014: As per NCRB, Karnataka currently ranks 10th in the country for its percentage share of crimes against women, with Bengaluru facing a particularly alarming situation. The city ranks fourth in terms of reported rape cases, accounting for 3.8%, while Delhi leads with a staggering 17.6%. Furthermore, Bengaluru holds the second position nationwide for overall crimes against women. These statistics paint a distressing picture of the safety of women and children in the city, In light of this, B.PAC took a significant step towards a safer city by emphasising that through stronger democratic processes, better governance, transparency, and active citizen engagement, our city can become safer. B.PAC initiated the 'The Walk for a Safe City' and invited the citizens to join. The walk, which began at Kanteerava Stadium and concluded at Freedom Park, united citizens in solidarity for women's safety. The flag-off at 10:00 AM marked not only the start of the walk but also a call to action for a more secure and inclusive Bengaluru, where everyone plays a vital role in fostering safety and trust.

3. Memorandum To The Hon. Chief Minister Of Karnataka To Curb Violence Against Women And Girl Children

March 8, 2014: B.PAC wrote a detailed memorandum to the then Hon'ble Chief Minister, expressing deep concern over the alarming rise in crimes against women and girls across the country, including Karnataka. The letter highlighted the inadequacy of a comprehensive safety framework and the urgent need for decisive action. Citing disturbing statistics by National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Union of India (NCRB), B.PAC emphasised the necessity for all stakeholders—government, political leadership, civic bodies, and citizens—to address this issue on a war footing. Read the memorandum here.

4. A Workshop On 'Technology Solutions For School Safety' In Association With TiE Bangalore

August 22, 2014: In collaboration with TiE’s Special Interest Group for Internet of Things (IoT-SIG), we hosted an impactful workshop on ‘Technology Solutions for School Safety’ on Friday, 22nd August, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The event brought together a dynamic mix of a dozen schools, tech experts, law enforcement officials and other vital stakeholders, anchored by Citizen Matters.

The aim of the workshops was to educate and assist in smart formulation of technology and funding requirements, in order to demonstrate best-in-class automated approaches in an Indian context. The workshop delved into cutting-edge solutions designed to address the critical issue of child safety within schools. Participants explored innovative technologies like:

• Storage of video for “reasonable” duration
• Ability to detect and search for “defined” incidents
• Ability to move from after-the-event-investigation to more near-time alerts
• Alternative approaches to detecting incidents (motion sensors)

Alternative approaches like motion sensors were also discussed, aiming to proactively safeguard children.

Workshop Outcomes:

• A comprehensive post-workshop report was made with actionable recommendations to support B.PAC’s policy change initiatives.
• Enhanced media coverage, increased engagement with start-ups and entrepreneurs, and a robust platform to foster ecosystem growth.

5. Safety Roadmap For Bangalore City – Agenda For A Safe City

June 17, 2014: Crimes against women and children call for urgent action and reinforcement of safety measures. Despite B.PAC’s repeated appeals to high-ranking officials, responses were insufficient, with measures often coming too late or falling short.

To address the pressing issues, B.PAC, under the leadership of Ms. Revathy Ashok and with the support of experts like Dr. Kiran Bedi and Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, called for a Special Assembly Session to adopt a comprehensive ‘Roadmap for Women’s Safety’. Key measures included:

1. Creation of Necessary Infrastructure: Enhancing safety through better urban design and public spaces tailored to protect women.
2. Staffing and Training: Fully staffing police stations and improving the investigation of crimes against women.
3. Special Cell and Hotline: Establishing dedicated support systems for immediate assistance.
4. Stringent Laws and Fast Track Courts: Implementing stricter legal frameworks, setting up special fast-track courts, and increasing judicial capacity to expedite cases.
5. Database and Technology: Leveraging technology to create comprehensive databases and improve monitoring and response systems.
6. Special Session of the Legislature: Convening a dedicated legislative session to address these issues urgently.
7. Communication: Ensuring transparent and continuous updates on safety measures and progress.
8. Immediate Release of Nirbhaya Funds: Securing necessary funding from the Union Government to support these initiatives.

During the press meet, Dr. Kiran Bedi highlighted the “holistic approach of the 6 P’s—People, Politician, Police, Prosecution, Prisons, and Press—that play vital roles in shaping society.” She reiterated that citizens should reflect inwardly and analyse the various dimensions of heinous crimes. B.PAC demanded that the implementation plans and ongoing progress be widely communicated across the city through a sustained effort to allay citizens' fears about the police's ability to protect them, while also creating awareness about the measures taken to ensure the safety of women and children. Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, President of B.PAC, emphasised, “This is not the time to embark on expert committee reports; this is the time for decisive action.”

B.PAC outlined the demands, calling for a rapid increase in conviction rates to restore public confidence and urged for greater transparency in women and child crime statistics. B.PAC insisted that an online dashboard be made available so that citizens can track the progress and actions taken in reported sexual assault cases.

2015

1. The Billion Eyes Conclave

March 12, 2015: With more women entering the workforce, the challenge of ensuring their safety at work, during their commutes, and in all aspects of professional life becomes increasingly urgent. A dipstick poll by B.PAC revealed that while many employees were aware of the POSH Act, few understood its provisions fully or how to use it effectively. Recognizing this gap, B.PAC, under its B.SAFE initiative, hosted a one-of-a-kind ‘Billion Eyes Conclave’ to address these issues. Held with a diverse group of stakeholders, including industry leaders, legal experts, and NGOs, the conclave aimed to elevate awareness of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplaces (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. The event featured over 25 speakers and discussions on best practices, industry-specific challenges, and technological solutions. High-profile panels, including a conversation with city CEOs moderated by Mr. T. V. Mohandas Pai, underscored the need for accountability and a cultural shift towards safer work environments. Commissioner M. N. Reddi assured full police support, while Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and Ms. Revathy Ashok emphasised collective action and commitment to ongoing safety metrics. This conclave was not just an event but the launch of a sustained campaign to make Bengaluru a safer city for women in the workplace. Read more

2. Release Of CLPR Report On The Functioning Of Special Fast Track Courts (FTC) In Bengaluru With Respect To Sexual Abuse Of Women & Children

June 13, 2015: AB.PAC, in collaboration with the Centre for Law and Policy Research (CLPR), hosted a compelling panel discussion on the urgent need for Special Courts for Women and Children. This discussion spotlighted a critical issue: despite the establishment of 93 Fast Track Courts in Karnataka in 2000, only 39 were operational before their abrupt closure in 2015 due to state funding shortages. The three-hour debate, featuring industry experts and legal luminaries, delved into the dire necessity for legislative reforms to revamp the judicial response to the surge in sexual assault cases.

Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah and Justice N. Santhosh Hegde, who released the pivotal CLPR report, emphasised the need for a paradigm shift from adversarial to inquisitorial proceedings. Justice Venkatachaliah lauded the CLPR’s comprehensive research, recommending its inclusion in law school curricula. With a dismal conviction rate of just 6% and challenges like witness hostility and inadequate medical investigations, the panel highlighted the urgency of enacting special legislation, enhancing training for judicial personnel, and instituting victim protection measures.

The way forward:

• Special Legislation: Establishing dedicated sexual offences courts with clearly defined functions, procedures, and special measures.
• Critical Training: Providing comprehensive training for judges, prosecutors, and court registrars to handle sexual offences cases effectively.
• Support Services: Developing robust support services and victim/witness protection measures to ensure safety and encourage testimony.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementing periodic monitoring and evaluation of these special courts to ensure their effectiveness and continual improvement.

Mr. Harish N., Advocate and B.PAC member, stressed that "Delay Derails Deterrence," advocating for dedicated courts and comprehensive stakeholder sensitization. Jayna Kothari, CLPR Founder, called for legislation-based establishment of special courts to ensure genuine speedy justice. The discussion, which engaged a wide audience including law students, forensic experts, and child welfare activists, underscored the crucial need for systemic reforms to address the ongoing crisis of sexual violence effectively.

3. Workshop On Sexual Harassment (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) At Workplaces

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplaces (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2013, passed by both Houses of Parliament, mandated that all institutions in India establish processes to ensure safe and respectful workplaces. In light of this, B.PAC focused on the healthcare sector and collaborated with PHANA member organisations to enhance awareness and understanding of the law through zonal workshops. These sessions were designed to facilitate the effective implementation of the Act, particularly the establishment of Internal Compliance Committees (ICCs), which were essential under the law. Dr. Nagendra Swamy, President of PHANA, and Dr. Anil Agadi of the Central Zone led this initiative. Ms. Supriti, a Diversity & Inclusion Consultant and ICC expert, conducted the workshops, sharing her expertise on preventing sexual harassment and guiding organizations on best practices. B.PAC encouraged organisations to participate actively in these workshops, involving senior managers, administrators, HR associates, supervisors, and owners of private hospitals and nursing homes. This engagement was crucial in fostering a safe and compliant environment for women in these institutions.

2016

1. Model Policy For Fast Track Courts

One of the major challenges in India regarding the handling of sexual harassment cases involving children was in poor compliance with the POCSO Act and the ineffective functioning of fast-track courts. Initially set up by the Central Government using a grant from the 11th Finance Commission (2000-2005), these fast-track courts aimed to expedite long-pending cases. Despite their establishment, a 2015 study by the Centre for Law and Policy Research (CLPR) revealed a stark reality: of the 623 cases assigned to these courts, only 17% were disposed of, with a mere 2.88% resulting in convictions. The study highlighted severe issues such as hostile witnesses, insensitive treatment of children, and inadequate court facilities. Recognising these critical gaps, B.PAC, alongside various experts, crafted a set of recommendations to enhance the functionality of these courts, including providing support persons for children, establishing dedicated courtrooms, and training judicial personnel. The goal was to streamline the judicial process, making it more efficient and less daunting for young victims, thereby improving conviction rates. Read more

2. Advocacy For Effective Functioning Of Special Courts For POCSO Cases

In collaboration with experts from the Center for Law and Policy Research, Enfold Trust, legal professionals, child protection personnel from UNICEF, and activists, we conducted a thorough analysis of the functioning of Special Courts established in Karnataka since 2012, as mandated by the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Unfortunately, due to various implementation challenges, these courts had not been functioning as intended, particularly in serving the best interests of child victims of sexual abuse.

In response, the B.SAFE team held multiple consultations with distinguished judges, including Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah, Justice N. Kumar, Justice N. K. Patil, Justice Anand Byrareddy, and Justice Ashok Hinchigeri, to address the gaps in the system. Following these discussions, B.SAFE submitted a set of guidelines aimed at improving the effectiveness of these courts.

The team was working with the Karnataka Legal Services Authority to streamline the process for victims to obtain both interim and final compensation. Recognizing the need for a safer environment, B.PAC also advocated for child-friendly waiting rooms in Special Courts, ensuring children no longer have to endure the discomfort of waiting in the same space as criminals. Justice Anand Byrareddy, assured such rooms would be provided, with plans to make them more welcoming for children.

3. B.SAFE’s Recommendations To The Ugrappa Committee

In a broader effort, B.SAFE had made important recommendations to the Ugrappa Committee, which was set up by the Government of Karnataka to manage crimes against women and children. Dr. Sangeeta Saksena from B.SAFE was part of the 29-member panel, working to propose amendments to laws and advocate for stronger protections against sexual violence.

4. Green And Safe School

B.PAC envisioned a transformative approach to create schools that are not only clean and hygienic but also safe havens for children. The “Green and Safe School” model aimed to turn campuses into zero-waste, water, and energy-efficient spaces while ensuring they are free from violence, harassment, and abuse.

In collaboration with Shell-MRPL Aviation Fuels & Services Ltd., B.PAC put these principles into action at the Government Primary School in Palace Guttahalli. Under the leadership of B.CLIP civic leader Ms. Kaveri Kedarnath and with the support of Dr. Ashwathnarayan, MLA, Malleshwaram, the project breathed new life into the school. An audit revealed critical needs like a toilet renovation and replacement of damaged asbestos sheets. The team swiftly addressed these by reconstructing the toilet and installing eco-friendly puff sheets. To combat noise pollution from heavy traffic, the team upgraded old wooden windows to noise-cancelling ones and received additional support for painting the inner walls from Dr. Ashwathnarayan.

The project went beyond physical improvements. Ms. Kaveri Kedarnath, with the help of fellow B.CLIP leader Ms. Pushpa Murthy, conducted engaging safety workshops for students and connected with the local community to offer free co-curricular and extracurricular classes. The vibrant community involvement sparked a ripple effect, enhancing the school environment and enriching the students' educational experience.

2017

1. B.SAFE Ambassadors For A Safer Community

B.PAC has been actively collaborating with communities across Bengaluru to create a safer environment for women. As part of this initiative, 50 proactive women were identified from these communities who were eager to enhance local safety. These women, now B.SAFE Ambassadors, received intensive training and gained access to crucial resources such as police officials, counselling centres, and legal aid. Empowered with this knowledge and support, the B.SAFE Ambassadors have become instrumental in building a robust safety network within their communities, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for all.

2. Safety In Public Transport - 94th Bus Day For Safety Of Women

On the 94th Bus Day, B.PAC and BMTC united to spark a movement for women's safety and empowerment in Bengaluru. With Transport Minister H. M. Revanna, Chairman Nagaraju Yadav, and B.CLIP civic leaders leading the charge, the Majestic bus stop became a hub of excitement and engagement as safety posters and handouts were distributed among women commuters. The event, graced by key figures like Mr. Ponnuraj IAS, Managing Director of BMTC, and Chitra Talwar, B.SAFE Mentor, underscored the vital link between safe public transport and women empowerment.

BMTC’s commitment was on full display, showcasing initiatives such as safety helplines, patrolling vehicles, CCTV cameras, and gender sensitisation programs, while exciting new plans like a safety app and women’s lounges were announced. This powerful collaboration marks a pivotal step towards a safer, more inclusive Bengaluru, with B.PAC and BMTC pledging to continue their efforts to make every ride a secure journey.
Read more

3. Agenda For Safety At School

3rd June, 2017: Safety of children was a pressing issue that demanded urgent attention. The Karnataka Government had introduced the Child Protection Policy for schools, but challenges remained in raising awareness, fostering community engagement, and ensuring effective implementation. To tackle this, B.PAC collaborated with over 200 government schools across 10 assembly constituencies in Bengaluru. The initiative focused on building the capacity of these schools to implement the Child Protection Policy. This included setting up Child Protection Committees, conducting sensitisation and training programs for both teaching and non-teaching staff, engaging parents, and organising self-awareness workshops for students. The program also aimed to implement preventive measures such as establishing MENA Clubs and installing complaint/suggestion boxes in schools, alongside safety collaterals and monitoring implementation quality. B.PAC held a general open session to introduce the program, followed by exclusive sessions in Malleshwaram and BTM Layout Assembly Constituencies.

Agenda For Safety At School- Malleshwaram:

Under this initiative, B.CLIP civic leader Ms. Kaveri Kedarnath spearheaded a significant program in the Malleshwaram assembly constituency. Supported by Dr. Ashwathanarayan, MLA, Malleshwaram, the initiative saw the participation of around 25 government and government-aided schools. Ms. Neha from Enfold Proactive Health Trust conducted an insightful session on child safety, and each participating school received a comprehensive safety kit.

Agenda For Safety At School- BTM Layout

B.CLIP Civic Leader Ms. Sowmya Reddy spearheaded an impactful initiative to enhance the capacity of government school teachers in implementing the Karnataka State Child Protection Policy at the BTM Layout assembly constituency. Supported by Mr. Ramalinga Reddy, Minister for Transport, Government of Karnataka, the program engaged around 30 government and government-aided schools. The initiative focused on equipping educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to uphold child protection standards, ensuring a safer environment for students.

4. Safety Workshops For Women Across Bengaluru City

B.PAC had been ardently working to create safe spaces for women and children through its 'A Billion Eyes' program. The initiative aimed to enhance women’s safety by conducting workshops for women from low-income groups across Bengaluru. In these workshops, B.PAC selected a few participants to be trained as paralegals, empowering them to advocate more effectively within their communities against discrimination and harassment. These workshops, led by the B.CLIP leaders, had been instrumental in reaching a broader audience. Since November 2016, B.PAC has conducted 12 such workshops, benefiting 513 women and significantly raising awareness and support for women’s safety.

5. B.SAFE's Work On Safe Workplace

B.SAFE had been actively involved in the implementation of the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, focusing on establishing Local Complaints Committees (LCCs) to handle sexual harassment cases in the informal sector. As a part of the Act, Bengaluru now has a dedicated Local Complaints Committee to address such issues. Here are some key facts about Local Complaints Committees (LCCs):

Filing Complaints: Any woman working in the formal or informal sector can file complaints with the Local Complaints Committee (LCC).

LCC's Function: The LCC is responsible for exercising powers and carrying out functions under the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act.

Secretary of LCC: Ms. Geetha Patil, Assistant Director at the Department of Women and Child Development, Karnataka, serves as the Secretary of Bengaluru's LCC.

How to Submit Complaints: Complaints should be submitted to Geetha Patil at the Department of Women and Child Development office located next to Kidwai, near Dairy Circle, Bengaluru.

6. B.SAFE's Work On Safe Public Places

B.PAC collaborated with Safetipin, a social organisation that pioneers safe and inclusive urban spaces, to enhance safety in public places across Bengaluru. Safetipin prepared detailed safety reports for selected wards and assembly constituencies, evaluating parameters such as lighting, visibility, and openness. Based on these assessments, B.PAC, in collaboration with B.CLIP leaders, worked with elected representatives to implement improvements aimed at raising the safety scores of these areas. This partnership sought to create safer, more secure environments for all residents.

2019

Gender Sensitisation Workshops For BMTC Staffs

B.SAFE partnered with the BMTC to launch a comprehensive gender sensitisation initiative. Recognising that two-thirds of BMTC’s commuters are women, B.PAC designed and rolled out workshops to enhance the understanding and empathy of BMTC’s frontline staff. Funded by the Nirbhaya Fund, the program aimed to tackle the common issue of harassment on buses by educating drivers, conductors, and ground staff. The first phase of the workshop covered 11,000 employees, with a second phase planned for the remaining 16,000, totaling 27,000 staff members. The 330 workshops, each lasting 180 minutes, featured interactive elements such as animation videos, role plays, and real-life scenario reviews, all aimed at fostering a shift in perspective and improving the safety environment for women and children. Read more

2020

B.SAFE Constituency

Since ensuring women's safety is crucial for advancing women's empowerment, B.PAC launched the B.SAFE Constituency initiative in collaboration with CGI. It is a pioneering initiative that brings together diverse stakeholders, community members, and domain experts to create safer assembly constituencies for the safety of women in Bengaluru’s public spaces. It integrates public place audits, community awareness campaigns, actionable recommendations, and ongoing advocacy efforts. Implemented on a ward-wise basis and spearheaded by dedicated B.SAFE Ambassadors, the initiative ensures localised and effective solutions. So far, the public place safety audits have been conducted in 4 assembly constituencies - Mahadevapura, Malleshwaram, Dasarahalli, and Hebbal. Read more

Total B.SAFE Ambassadors: 56

Capacity Building Sessions: 20

Wards: 35

Type of public places: 98

Locations audited: 560

Gender Sensitisation: 150 auto and cab drivers

College Awareness Program: 27 Colleges

Community Awareness Program: 2400+ communities of women

2021-22

B.SAFE Constituency Phase I- Public Place Safety Audit of Mahadevapura & Malleshwaram Assembly Constituencies

B.SAFE Constituency Phase I focused on conducting thorough public place safety audits in Mahadevapura and Malleshwaram assembly constituencies. In Mahadevapura, 22 B.SAFE Ambassadors meticulously assessed 8 categories of public spaces covering 35 major streets in 137 locations. In Malleshwaram, 23 B.SAFE Ambassadors assessed 73 major streets.

B.PAC and CGI released the B.SAFE Constituency Phase I Public Place Safety Audit Report in August for Malleshwaram and Mahadevapura in the presence of Shri. Aravind Limbavali, MLA of Mahadevapura, Mrs. Pranitha Subhash, Actor and Brand Ambassador of the B.SAFE Program, and Dr. Rahul Ghodke, Senior Vice President and Business Unit Leader, CGI. This comprehensive report, based on safety audits conducted across 260 locations, provides a detailed ward-wise analysis, comparing the performance of various wards and highlighting key infrastructure gaps. It also presents an action plan aimed at transforming both constituencies into model regions for women’s safety and empowerment.

A team of 45 passionate B.SAFE Ambassadors were trained through capacity-building sessions led by domain experts. These sessions covered topics such as women’s safety, government schemes for empowerment, financial literacy, and diagnostics of safety in public spaces. In 2021-2022, the Ambassadors conducted safety audits of Anganwadi Kendras, bus stops, parks, markets, public toilets, and police stations. The findings revealed significant opportunities for improvement in both constituencies, especially in enhancing infrastructure like street lighting, bus stops, and park facilities. The actionable recommendations for public place infrastructures were presented in two categories- 'Must Have' and 'Good to Have'.Following the report release, a panel discussion on "Creating Safer Public Spaces by Bridging the Gaps in Bengaluru" was held, featuring key stakeholders including Dr. B R Ravi Kanthegowda, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police, and Ms. Radhika G, IPS, Director (Security & Vigilance), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, among others. The discussion reinforced the collaborative efforts needed to implement the report’s action plan and ensure lasting change. Read more

2022-23

B.SAFE Constituency Phase II- Public Place Safety Audit of Dasarahalli & Hebbal Assembly Constituencies

B.SAFE Constituency Phase II initiative focused on conducting thorough public place safety audits in Dasarahalli and Hebbal. In Dasarahalli, 12 B.SAFE Ambassadors meticulously assessed 6 categories of public spaces covering 10 major streets. In Hebbal, 8 B.SAFE Ambassadors assessed 19 major streets.

B.PAC and CGI released the B.SAFE Constituency Phase II: Public Place Safety Audit Report for Dasarahalli and Hebbal on 28th October 2023. The event witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including Smt. Jija Madhavan Hari Singh, IPS (Rtd.) and Former DGP, Dr. Rahul Ghodke, Senior Vice President and Business Unit Leader at CGI, and Ms. Chitra Talwar, Program Head of B.SAFE. A committed team of 20 B.SAFE Ambassadors conducted the safety audits across both constituencies, meticulously assessing 298 public places and 29 streets across 12 BBMP wards in Dasarahalli and 8 BBMP wards in Hebbal during June and July 2023. The audit covered 6 key categories of public spaces frequented by women, including 76 Anganwadi Kendras, 92 bus stops, 54 parks, 10 PHCs, 7 police stations, and 35 public toilets.

The report not only presents an in-depth analysis of the safety conditions but also offers a forward-looking action plan with actionable recommendations categorised into 'Must Have' and 'Good to Have' improvements for public place infrastructure. This blueprint aims to enhance the safety and empowerment of women in both constituencies.

The report release was followed by an insightful panel discussion on the theme ‘Women’s Empowerment – A Holistic Approach.’ Esteemed panellists included Ms. Uthara Narayana, Co-founder and Chief Changemaker of Buzz Women, Ms. Nalini Shekhar, Co-founder and Executive Director of Hasiru Dala, Ms. K. Jayalakshmi, President of Nakshatra Mahila Swasahaya Group, and Mr. Ashok G. V., Partner at Factum Law. The discussion, moderated by Ms. Mimi Partha Sarathy, Founder & Managing Director of Sinhasi Consultants Pvt Ltd. and a B.PAC member, offered valuable perspectives on fostering an inclusive, safer environment for women.
Read more

2024

1. Tactical Urbanism And Placemaking

27th Jan, 2024
17th Feb, 2024

B.PAC made significant strides in implementing Tactical Urbanism and Placemaking in Bengaluru to create safer and more vibrant public spaces for women and children. The B.SAFE Constituency Public Place Safety Audit, conducted by B.SAFE Ambassadors, presents a comprehensive safety assessment for public spaces in Mahadevapura, Malleshwaram, Dasarahalli, and Hebbal assembly constituencies. For example, in Dasarahalli, 26 parks were audited by B.SAFE Ambassadors who identified key areas for improvement. The findings indicated that these parks could benefit from essential civic amenities such as improved lighting, security personnel, CCTV cameras, play and gym equipment, drinking water facilities, as well as clean and accessible walkways.

B.PAC conducted the TUPM (Tactical Urbanism and Placemaking) event at selected venues, where participants unleashed their creativity by painting a colourful and vibrant snake and ladder board within the pergola. The event also featured the crafting of a dynamic, sensorial experience walk path for children, offering an interactive and engaging environment. Read more

2. She ARISES

March 16th, 2024: B.PAC in partnership with CGI, celebrated International Women's Day by conducting SHE ARISES - Join the Womentum initiative at Rangoli Metro Art Center, Bengaluru. This event aimed to foster inclusivity, collaboration, and transformation in women's safety and empowerment, providing a platform for female entrepreneurs of Bengaluru. Activities included stalls, flash mobs, street plays, and stand-up comedy by women, all promoting women's empowerment. Renowned actor and humanitarian Smt. Priyanka Upendra inaugurated the event, alongside key B.PAC and CGI leaders, with honours given to five Bengaluru-based organisations for their exceptional work in women's safety. Read more

Impact Numbers

SAFE Public Place

12 special waiting rooms for women at BMTC depots.
Public place safety audit report of all 198 wards of Bengaluru.

SAFE School

Capacity building for teachers on safety across 6 constituencies from 150 schools.
Safety workshop for 3700+ children.
Gap analysis of schools from 4 constituencies & BBMP Schools & Anganwadis.

SAFE Workplace

Capacity building for 50+ external members of ICC.
Advocated to set up Local Complaints Committee for Bengaluru.