Formed in July 2015, clad in ‘commando uniforms’ and comprising around 33 women cops, named as ‘Damini Marshals’, the Damini Squad is an effective force helping girls and women in distress on streets and other public places making Pune city a safer haven for women. Not only are these ladies in uniform responsible for curbing crimes against women, but they also extend emotional support and self-defense training, making women independent and competent to protect themselves. Besides action against miscreants, the Damini Marshals have also created awareness among school and college-going girls and women working with private companies by conducting workshops and counselling sessions. The members of Damini Squad who graced the occasion were API Sujata Shanme, API Manisha Tule, Ms Ankita Atram and Mrs. Sarika Sonwane. API Sujata Shanme shared, “Damini marshals patrol public places such as markets, malls, bus stops, traffic signals, areas near school, colleges, offices etc. Unlike other departments of police, where women have to come to the police station when in trouble, these cops reach out to them personally, visit them at their homes and at places where they feel unsafe. This helps women be more comfortable talking to the police. Damini marshals have helped bridge a gap and build trust. It is one of the reasons why now more women are coming forward to report issues like domestic violence, eve-teasing etc.” The squad also has mental health professionals associated with the team. A video on Damini Squad, Mumbai was also shown (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc8-djF85Go&t=203s) reflecting the magnitude of work being doen by these Iron Ladies in Uniform. The Damini Squad also showed certain self-defense techniques to the attendees of the event. During the Open House, the girls asked questions to the Squad which were welcomed and answered by the Squad members. Their visit inspired the girls to follow their dreams and achieve them, just as shared by the Squad ladies. Workshop on Self Defense - UK Taekwondo Academy, having branches all over Pune, conducted a workshop on Taekwondo for the attendees. Mr Rajesh Poojari is the 5th Dan Black Belt and an India Coach for Taekwondo. He was accompanied by other three coaches from the same academy. The team conducted an invigorating workshop for the attendees, teaching them the importance of self training and also self-defense techniques. Participating Institutes: Sadhu Vaswani Nursing College PDEA’s Waghire Arts, Commerce and Science College, Saswad, Pune