Police Academy

India has a reputation for being a difficult place for women.

There have been highly publicized cases of abuse, public beatings, rapes and murders. While in the country I noticed an effort being made to address both the reality and the perception.

In Delhi there were signs posted with special phone numbers for women to call if they wanted help from police. I also saw police vehicles branded as “pink patrols” meant to offer a greater sense of security for women.

In Darjeeling I came upon this scene. Early in the morning a large group of young women lined up outside a college campus for their chance to enroll in the local police academy. More women working as police officers in India would be good for women generally speaking and a great opportunity for the women who actually land the job.