They help abused women pick up pieces, come out stronger

Bengaluru: Shabnam (name changed), 16, thought she was scarred for life after she was sexually abused by a relative repeatedly. The high school student withdrew into her shell, becoming a pale shadow of her former bubbly self. Shabnam stopped focusing on studies until a group of youngsters came to her rescue, counselling her for months.
Today , she's a fiesty teenager mastering several selfdefence techniques and all set to go abroad for higher studies.The youngsters are part of the Anti-Rape Organization (ARO), which helps abused women get back their self-respect and confidence. Not only do they conduct workshops and counselling sessions but also provide business opportunities to rural women through vocational training.
Mallamma (name changed), 32, a domestic help, could hardly earn enough to feed a family of three. Members of ARO got her and several other women from the same village enrolled into a tailoring class.Today, they make fancy bags and purses which are bought by ARO and sold at corporate and public events and college fests.The profits are handed over to these women; their income has increased by 30%.
The organization was born on July 20, 2014, the same year when the rape of a 6-year-old schoolgirl jolted Bengaluru.More than a shocker, the incident came as an eye-opener for Prajwal Shiva Reddy , 24, who decided that something needs to be done. The mechanical engineer, along with three other IITians, formed the organization to give women the respect the deserve.
"Today , we are a team of 16.We want to solve the problems faced by women and touch their lives. Cases of brutal violence against women are increasing by the day . According to statistics, every minute 22 women are getting raped or becoming victims of domestic violence. ARO believes that people should not just blame the government, police and other institutions but come forward to do their bit.That is why we are striving to work for the uplift and betterment of women," said Prajwal.
When the team realized the importance of making women strong both mentally and physically , they launched self-defence workshops in various schools, colleges and public places. "We also conduct seminars on sex education for youngsters of various age groups, organize rallies and street plays to make people aware of the status of women and teach them how to help a woman in distress," said Bhushan Nagaraju, member, ARO.