"Help me", croaked a frail voice when I picked up my phone as a busy lawyer. I still get a shiver down my spine to this day. It was a woman who was being beaten up by her family. Her life was at risk. I immediately rushed to help her. But just imagine if she hadn't called. I shudder to think of the rest... The govt has created a women's helpline but it is not publicised enough. If the number is printed on something that reaches millions of Indian homes - an LPG cylinder - then any girl or woman who needs support can call for help.

I stand before you as someone who has dedicated the past 10 years of my life to promoting legal literacy across India, particularly focused on empowering women with the knowledge of their existing legal rights. Legal literacy is not just education; it's a powerful tool that equips women to fight against violence and injustice. In my interactions with women from all walks of life, one alarming trend keeps surfacing: the lack of awareness about women's helpline numbers.

Election 2024 is around the corner, women constitute a major voter base. With the Women's reservation bill being passed recently it signals that governance and public spaces are ready to hear more women's voices. If LPG cylinders can feature in political tussles, then why can't helpline numbers 181 and 1091 be displayed on LPG cylinders?

It's disheartening to see that even after a decade of continuous efforts, many women are still unaware of the helpline numbers that can assist them during times of crisis. The need of the hour is for every woman to know, by heart, the women's helpline helpline numbers. These helplines can serve as lifelines, providing immediate support and guidance to those in need.

Despite my best efforts to encourage people to write down and remember these helpline numbers, it's becoming increasingly evident that this practice alone is not yielding the desired results. As per data by Delhi Police, the number of calls made to the women's helpline number 1091 last year has dropped when compared to 2021. This is where I believe we need a new, innovative approach to bring about a transformative change.

I propose that India, being one of the leading providers of LPG cooking gas cylinders in the world step up and take action through ONGC (Oil & Natural Gas Corporation).  

LPG cylinders have a presence in almost every household across the nation, and women often take charge of the kitchen. We can use this vast network to imprint essential helpline numbers on the LPG cylinders. This strategic move requires no additional costs, as it makes use of the existing space on the cylinder. Moreover, the constant visibility of these helplines will not only raise awareness but also help women remember them more effectively.

By placing helpline numbers on LPG cylinders, we can achieve two major goals:

1. Widespread Reach: The visibility of helpline numbers on LPG cylinders will ensure that these vital numbers reach every corner of the country, from urban to rural areas.

2. Empowerment through Awareness: When women see these numbers every day, they will become imprinted in their memory. In times of distress, they won't have to search for the information; they'll already know who to reach out to.

I humbly call upon Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas,  Hon’ble Shri Hardeep Puri Ji to firmly consider this crucial step towards women's safety and empowerment.

Together, we can bring about this simple yet immensely impactful change. Let's transform the humble LPG cylinder into a beacon of hope and a symbol of safety for women across India. Sign this petition to support this initiative and make a collective demand for change. Your one signature can save many lives. 

Sign and share this petition now to help make women safe and empowered through easy access to helpline numbers. Let's turn this vision into a reality.

Photo Credits: Ahmednad Nagar Live24