Mahila Brigade members of the state chapter of Indian Red Cross Society during a training session earlier this month. Picture by Ashok Sinha

Thirty-two and odd brave women are ready with the lamp to help people in disaster and natural calamities.

The state branch of Indian Red Cross Society has constituted Mahila Brigade (women’s brigade) in the city at present. It has plans to extend one-of-its-kind initiative in other districts soon.

“The primary goal to constitute this Mahila Brigade is to help women victims during the various types of disasters. As it is clear by the name itself, the Mahila Brigade comprises women only, who would be not only able to provide physical help to the victims during any disaster but if required, they would be also be able to extend emotional support to them which male members involved in the rescue operation cannot provide. The Mahila Brigade would, however, provide help to both male and female victims,” said RBP Yadav, director, state branch of Indian Red Cross Society.

The state branch of Indian Red Cross Society has taken utmost care while constituting the brigade.

“All the 32 members of the Mahila Brigade used to be the active volunteers of our organisation. However, they were not selected randomly. They had to face an interview. Only those 32 women in whom we found some spark were selected finally. Even after their selection, the members of the Mahila Brigade were given special training between November 8 and 10 in which they were taught to deal with various types of calamities,” said Vandana Singh, state disaster management co-ordinator, state branch of Indian Red Cross Society.

About the training, Vandana added: “We told them that if fire breaks out at any place, then they should try to get out of the place slowly by kneeling down and during that process, they need to cover their nose properly so that they do not inhale harmful gas. How they have to take out people from that place, this was also briefed to them. We also told them that they should try to involve themselves in conversations as much as possible so that they can be acquainted of the things happening in and around their place. How they can deal with flood like situation? They should move to the raised platform immediately in this condition. What stuff they have to keep along with themselves while shifting to other place.”

Members of Mahila Brigade have already started their work. On November 12, they helped in the rescue and relief operation after fire broke out near a community hall in Shastrinagar. “This was the first practical experience of the Mahila Brigade members. They looked very well organised while distributing the relief materials among the victims,” said Vandana.

Mahila Brigade members also feel that they have become more confident in their personal life. “Now that I have become a part of Mahila Brigade, I have become more confident now. My husband and other family members are also encouraging me in my work. They are also very proud of my work,” said 31-year-old Smita Kumari, one of the Mahila Brigade members.