Hi everyone, My name is Lamisha Abidin currently pursuing law from Kumaon University, Uttarakhand. Here, I am presenting an article about the women’s safety in India — lack of constant vigil, what precautions and solutions can be provided for the same.
Just like charity begins at home, we have to start making a change from our home and society. We need to work together to make this world a better place for women. -Smriti Irani
“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved” -DR. B.R. Ambedkar
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Women’s safety in India is an enduring concern with deep-seated social, cultural and legal dimensions. It is often assumed that lack of vigilance is both by the authorities and society. While the absence of vigilance may contribute to the problem, it is vital to understand that this is a multi-layered issue with historical, structural, and social roots. In this essay, we will explore the dynamics of women’s safety in India, analyzing the complex factors that contribute to insecurity and what role constant vigilance might or might not play in improving the situation.
Understanding Women’s Safety in India Women’s safety is defined not only by their physical security but also by the extent to which they are free from emotional, psychological, and sexual harassment. In India, women’s safety is threatened in many forms, from domestic violence and sexual assault to workplace harassment and street crime. Public discourse and activism around women’s safety intensified after the 2012 Nirbhaya Rape case in Delhi, but challenges remain widespread and persistent.
Social and Cultural Factors India’s social structure is heavily influenced by patriarchal norms, where men are often placed in positions of power and women are expected to play subordinate roles. This hierarchical mindset influences how women are perceived and treated in various spheres of life, from the household to the workplace, and even in public spaces.
The root of this problem lies in gender inequality, which manifests in multiple ways. Women often face restrictions on mobility, education, and employment, and are conditioned to accept submissive roles. This reinforces the idea that women are vulnerable and need constant protection, which, paradoxically, only exacerbates their dependency on male authority figures. Although there are many schemes made by the Government such as” BETI BACHAO BETI PADHAO” which has influenced the society to educate and protect their girl child.
Gender-based violence is not just a matter of individual behavior but a symptom of broader societal attitudes. Patriarchal cultures tend to normalize controlling, abusive, or violent behaviors toward women. This is often accompanied by victim-blaming when women are subjected to crimes, further discouraging them from seeking justice. The failure of society to create a supportive environment for women feeds into the narrative that women need constant vigilance to stay safe. The lack of education and knowledge among the males is also an crucial image of patriarchal norms .
Legal Framework and Law Enforcement India has enacted several laws to protect women from violence and discrimination, including the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. However, the enforcement of these laws remains a significant challenge.
In terms of vigilance, law enforcement agencies are stretched thin and often focus on major crimes, leaving cases of sexual harassment, domestic violence, and stalking under-prioritized. The absence of a robust, quick-response system for crimes against women has led to a situation where even urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore struggle to ensure safety for women in public spaces.
Public Infrastructure and Safety Public infrastructure plays a crucial role in determining women’s safety, especially in urban environments. Many Indian cities lack proper lighting, well-planned public spaces, and reliable public transport systems, making women particularly vulnerable to harassment and violence, especially after dark. Public transport systems, while essential for women’s independence and mobility, are often inadequately monitored. Women frequently report incidents of groping, verbal abuse, and stalking on buses, trains, and in waiting areas. The lack of surveillance cameras, panic buttons, or women-only spaces in many public transportation systems contributes to an unsafe environment.
The Role of Technology and Media Technology has proven to be a double-edged sword when it comes to women’s safety. On one hand, mobile phones, GPS tracking, and apps like Raksha and b -Safe have empowered women to seek help during emergencies. These tools allow women to alert authorities or loved ones if they feel unsafe, thus acting as a form of constant vigilance.
On the other hand, the proliferation of social media has also exposed women to new forms of harassment, including cyberbullying, stalking, and the non-consensual sharing of private images. The anonymity afforded by the internet emboldens perpetrators, and the legal framework is still evolving to deal with cybercrimes against women.
The media also plays a critical role in shaping societal attitudes toward women. While the increased coverage of women’s issues post-2012 has raised awareness, it has also created a sense of pervasive fear. The sensationalization of violence against women often leads to a narrative of women being perpetually unsafe, regardless of context. This has reinforced the idea that constant vigilance — whether through surveillance, restrictive measures, or social controls — is the only solution.
Pathways to Improving Women’s Safety
1. Educational Reforms Education plays a key role in transforming societal attitudes toward women. Gender equality must be integrated into school curricula to challenge patriarchal norms from an early age. Boys and men, in particular, need to be educated about respect, consent, and women’s rights. By fostering a culture of equality and respect, future generations can break free from the deeply entrenched gender norms that perpetuate violence. Schemes like “BETI BACHAO, BETI PADHAO” can be used vice-versa for “BETA PADHAO, BETI BACHAO.”
2. Legal and Institutional Reforms While India has progressive laws in place, enforcement needs to be strengthened. Police officers, judges, and other law enforcement personnel must undergo gender-sensitivity training to ensure that women feel safe and respected when reporting crimes. Fast-tracking cases related to gender-based violence can also help deliver justice in a timely manner, discouraging potential offenders.
3. Urban Planning and Public Infrastructure Cities need to be designed with women’s safety in mind. This involves not only increasing police presence but also improving street lighting, public transportation, and the design of public spaces. Women’s safety audits, where women’s experiences are used to identify unsafe areas, should become a regular practice in city planning.
Public transport systems can be made safer by introducing women-only carriages, increasing CCTV surveillance, and training staff to handle incidents of harassment. Panic buttons and helplines should also be widely accessible to women in public places.
4. Community and Support Systems Empowering local communities to take responsibility for women’s safety can create a more supportive environment. This includes initiatives like community watch programs, neighborhood safety groups, and self-defense classes for women. By fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
5. Technological Innovations While technology cannot be a substitute for systemic change, it can play a supporting role. Enhancing the usability of safety apps and integrating them with emergency services can create a more responsive system. Governments should work with tech companies to develop AI-based solutions that predict and prevent violence, such as smart surveillance systems that detect suspicious behavior in real-time.
6. Changing Media Representation The media must take responsibility for portraying women and violence against them in a more nuanced way. Rather than sensationalizing crimes, the focus should be on creating narratives that empower women and educate the public about gender equality. Positive stories of women overcoming adversity or challenging patriarchal norms can inspire change and challenge negative stereotypes.
Conclusion While constant vigilance may seem like a plausible solution to ensuring women’s safety in India, it addresses only the symptoms of the problem, not its root causes. Women’s safety is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach, addressing social, cultural, legal, and infrastructural challenges. Rather than relying solely on vigilance, the focus should be on creating a society where women are viewed as equals, free from fear and capable of controlling their own safety. Through education, legal reforms, community empowerment, and infrastructure improvements, India can take meaningful steps toward ensuring that women are not just constantly watched but genuinely safe and empowered.
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