Victim of harassment brings out app for women’s safety

Raudram – loosely translated to ‘righteous anger’ – aims at offering support to young women who often find themselves in unsafe situations. 

“I was on a bike and these group of men was chasing me in their car. My bike was hit by the car and I fell from the bridge and was badly hurt. This made me think of bringing out an app for ensuring women’s safety. Then, when I started a call centre, I began working towards it,” she said, adding how her friend Ramesh Kumar came forward with support the initiative even when many were apprehensive about it.

The app, which can be downloaded on Google Playstore for free, seeks an ID proof and selfie to ensure there are no fake complaints. A person must register three emergency contacts. “Even if the person’s mobile is locked, she can use the app by pressing the power button thrice within a minute. The GPS details will be sent to the emergency contacts. Through the call centres functioning across Tamil Nadu, the girl or women will receive timely help,” Sudha explained.

The app would also help women come forward to lodge complaints against recurrent issues, and the firm would assist them with free legal aid and also help them approach the police to get it resolved. Sudha added that the app was of relevance, given the turbulent times for women. She revealed that she was in talks with the police to ensure the department’s cooperation.

Speaking at the event, Kamal Haasan said that the prevalent atmosphere in the State was unsafe for women. He added that the cause of this was not just the actions of men but the attitude with which children are raised in the society, and praised his mother as being an example and a strong role model for him. He said that any complaints of harassment made by women must be heard and followed up.