The Karnal police and three NGOs have initiated a programme “I Break My Silence”, under which panel discussions will be organised in schools, colleges and villages to educate women about their rights, responsibilities and safety.

The NGOs involved are Global Shapers, World Resource Institute (WRI) India and Jagori. Yashpal Singal, DGP, and Rajbir Deswal, IG, launched the programme at the NDRI auditorium.

The DGP said such programmes should be initiated in other cities also.

Pankaj Nain, SP, said it would be a three-month campaign and start on April 15. Experts from the three NGOs along with Karnal police would organise training and interactive programmes with police officials, and drivers of auto-rickshaw and buses, he said.

Cycle rallies and street plays would also be organised to encourage people’s involvement, said Nain.

Vibha Bakshi, director of national award-winning documentary Daughters of Mother India based on the effects of the 2012 Delhi gang rape, said the problem of gender bias should be addressed so as to ensure equality.