Rape, trafficking, acid attack, dowry death and other atrocities against women were the focus of a mime act enacted at a police programme to mark International Women’s Day on Sunday.

The 30-minute presentation, Pehchan, started with a girl running away from a group of boys, who finally catch up with her.

“I believe every woman has a talent that she should be allowed to practise freely. It is time we women helped other women,” said Soma Das, the founder and director of Soma Mime Theatre, which put up the mime act.

The programme hosted by the Barrackpore City Police was aimed at creating awareness about women’s empowerment. A panel discussion held on the occasion dwelt on domestic violence and how it affects children, gender sensitisation and the use of technology to prevent crime.

Women learn self-defence moves at Tejaswini, Calcutta police’s five-day self-defence workshop that concluded on Sunday. The Calcutta police sergeant’s institute held the workshop at the Police Athletic Club tent. The free training was for women of all ages. Picture by Gautam Bose

Arnab Kumar Ghosh, a student of engineering, demonstrated a safety shoe for women that he has designed. “The device uses a GPS module to send a message to a phone number entered in the system and to the nearest police station as soon as the emergency button is pressed,” Arnab said.

The 500-strong audience comprised students of schools in Barrackpore, their parents and teachers.

Rupsa Naskar, 15, dreams of a world where no girl would be raped.

“A society where women are not respected cannot grow. Ensuring the safety of women in every circumstance is every individual’s duty. Use of technology as a safety mechanism can make a huge difference. Women need not fear anything. They should face everything boldly and they will find a lot of help is available,” said Manoj Kumar Verma, commissioner of police, Barrackpore City Police.