As Navratri and Dussehra festivities light up Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath government has launched Mission Shakti 5, a campaign aimed at women’s safety and empowerment. The initiative, highlighted by a massive bike rally across the state, has sparked conversations not only about safety but also about the politics of timing. Is this a genuine step towards protecting women, or part of a larger political narrative ahead of upcoming elections?
What Is Mission Shakti 5?
Mission Shakti is a flagship programme by the Uttar Pradesh government focused on women’s safety, dignity, and empowerment. The campaign has run in multiple phases, each targeting awareness, protection, and women’s participation in public life. The fifth phase, Mission Shakti 5, comes during festival season, when large gatherings can increase harassment risks.
The campaign includes several key activities:
- Awareness Drives: Schools, colleges, and community centers host sessions to educate women about their rights, safety measures, and reporting methods. The goal is to ensure every woman feels prepared and confident.
- Bike Rallies: Policewomen and volunteers lead bike rallies across districts. These rallies spread the message of vigilance and serve as a strong symbol of female leadership in public spaces.
- Workshops & Helpline Promotions: Interactive workshops focus on legal protections, cyber safety, and helpline numbers like 1090. Women learn where to get help in case of harassment.
- Community Participation: The campaign encourages men to join awareness efforts. The idea is to build a culture where everyone respects and protects women’s safety.
By combining grassroots awareness with public demonstrations, Mission Shakti 5 aims to strengthen confidence and community responsibility. The campaign’s clear message is that women’s dignity and security are non-negotiable priorities in Uttar Pradesh.
Why Now? The Political Angle
The timing of Mission Shakti 5 is crucial. Uttar Pradesh is heading toward a busy election cycle, and women voters make up nearly 48% of the state’s electorate.
- By focusing on women’s empowerment, the government aims to strengthen its appeal among female voters.
- The bike rally’s visibility during Navratri, a festival symbolizing feminine power, connects cultural symbolism with political messaging.
- Critics argue it is more about image-building than addressing systemic issues like police accountability, gender gaps in education, or employment.
Public Reactions
- Supporters praise the campaign as a proactive step in promoting safety awareness during festivals.
- Critics say such events are “symbolic optics” without long-term impact, pointing to persistent issues like under-reported crimes and lack of infrastructure (CCTV, safe transport, women police staffing).
- Social activists suggest that while rallies are useful, they must be backed by policy reforms and measurable results to build real trust among women.
Conclusion
Mission Shakti 5 reflects the intersection of women’s rights and electoral politics in Uttar Pradesh. While the initiative raises much-needed awareness, its long-term effectiveness will depend on sustained action beyond festival optics. For voters, the key question remains: Is this a step toward genuine empowerment, or just another political showpiece?
