Pune’s Autorickshaws Become Messengers of Child Safety

Pune, 3rd March 2025: In a unique initiative to raise awareness about child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention, the Foundation for Child Protection (FFCP) – Muskaan, a Pune-based NGO, successfully organized a child safety awareness campaign at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Garden on February 25, 2025. The event, which aimed to engage the community in safeguarding children, saw the participation of social activists, government officials, and child welfare experts.

The campaign was inaugurated at 4:30 PM with a keynote address by Shubhada Ranadive, Founder-Director of FFCP-Muskaan. Expressing deep concern over the rising cases of child sexual abuse, she emphasized the urgent need for preventive measures. She urged NGOs to take collective responsibility for child safety and highlighted the campaign’s key initiative—turning autorickshaws into messengers of safety by displaying FFCP-Muskaan’s helpline numbers on their hoods.

Community Leaders Emphasize Child Protection
The event featured a speech by Chief Guest, Professor Anjali Maydeo Ambedkar, a senior social activist, who commended FFCP-Muskaan for consistently addressing such a critical issue through effective initiatives.

Also in attendance was Manisha Biraris, Child Development Project Officer at the Women and Child Development Department, who reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening child safety measures. Members of the Child Welfare Committee also participated, underlining the need for collaborative efforts in safeguarding children.

Street Play Educates Public on CSA Prevention
To keep the audience engaged, employees of FFCP-Muskaan performed a street play addressing multiple aspects of child sexual abuse. The play highlighted:
The different forms of abuse,
The fact that both boys and girls can be victims,
The importance of empowering children to say “No,” even if the abuser is known to them.
Autorickshaws Carry the Message of Child Safety

A significant moment in the event was the official ribbon-cutting and flag-off ceremony, where 20 to 25 autorickshaws were launched with messages on child safety and FFCP-Muskaan’s helpline number displayed prominently.

By engaging autorickshaw drivers in this awareness initiative, the campaign ensures wider reach and accessibility for those in need of help. This strategic move aims to make child protection resources more visible and easily accessible to the citizens of Pune.