I'm a woman and for me, this matter is deeply personal. The daily news is a constant reminder of the atrocities committed against women, reducing us to mere objects in the eyes of immortalised monsters who roam our streets, leaving behind a trail of violation and trauma.

Rape is a relentless epidemic, a grim reality that cannot be ignored. According to the sensus report in India, a rape happens every 5 to 10 mins with women being the primary victims of this heinous crime. Despite this alarming rate, most cases often go unreported and victims continue to live in fear. One method to reclaim our safety is enabling women to legally own and use licensed guns at home, work and usually carrying guns everywhere we go for protection.

I am not advocating violence. This is a plea for the right to protect ourselves when the system fails us, when our cries fall on deaf ears, and when we are left to face our tormentors alone. Women deserve to feel secure in their homes, the very places where majority of these sexual assaults occur. When women are equipped with a means of protection, not only does the risks of being victimised decrease, but the sense of personal security and empowerment increases.

The time for change is now. We need your signature to make a strong case for allowing women to use licensed guns for self-defense. Empower women, allow us the right to protect ourselves and ensure a safer tomorrow for each of us. Please sign this petition.