To raise awareness on the issue of women safety, Delhi Police along with NGO ladli Foundation organised a half marathon "Run for laadli" on Sunday from Jawahar lal Nehru stadium to Central Park in Connaught Place via India Gate.
"It is an effort to involve and inspire people to come out as a saviour and be a part to raise voice in favour of women and gender equality," Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik said.
"Nearly, 15,000 participants including sports persons, athletes, 2500 Delhi Police personnel and schoolchildren some of whom have been given Self Defence training took part in the event and came forward to raise voice against domestic violence and other crimes against women. Women safety has always been top priority of Delhi Police and our initiatives like Sashakti, Parivartan, Public Facilitation Desks, Women Help Desks and regular visits of police officials to schools and colleges; have led to considerable drop in crime against women in 2017 as compared to that in 2016," said Madhur Verma, the Delhi Police spokesperson.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who inaugurated the event, spoke about women empowerment and how woman and girls are a pillar of strength for their families and society as a whole.
Speaking about women safety initiatives, Patnaik affirmed that the Delhi Police has been and would always be alert and active for safety of women. "Our initiatives such as Sashakti, Women PCR Van, Anti-Obscene Call Helpline and HIMMAT App have led to reduction in crime against women. He further added that events like this generate awareness about women safety and bring about attitudinal change in the mindset of society at large."
Member of Parliament Priyanka Singh Rawat, spoke about gender equality and related issues.
"The event started at 7 am with support from volunteers, hydration zones and medical assistance, to support runners in addition to assistance by traffic and local police. The Run was categorised into- 21KM, 11KM, 5KM & 2.5KM. In all, around 20,000 runners took part in the Marathon to pledge their support for this cause. This run is to spread awareness about gender equality and to prevent crimes against women," said the police officer.
Union Minister for Social Justice Thawar Chand Gehlout, Minister of State (Finance) Shiv Pratap Shukla, and several other dignitaries and celebrities were present to support the cause.