The increasing presence of women in India’s workforce is undeniably a positive sign of progress. It represents not only economic advancement but also a gradual shift in societal attitudes towards gender roles and equality. Over the past few decades, more women have entered various sectors, from traditional industries such as agriculture and manufacturing to modern fields like information technology, telecommunications, and healthcare. This growing participation is a testament to the ambition, hard work, and resilience of women in India who are increasingly determined to carve out their own identities in a rapidly changing economy.
In recent years, numerous studies and reports have documented the disturbing rise in incidents of sexual harassment in the workplace, and the figures are not just statistics; they represent real stories of women who have faced harassment, discrimination, and violence while striving to contribute to the workforce. According to a recent study by the Udaiti Foundation, sexual harassment incidents in companies listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) increased by 29% between FY23 and FY24, rising from 1,807 to 2,325 reported cases. This escalation is alarming and indicates that the systems in place to ensure women’s safety at work are inadequate. Sexual harassment is, unfortunately, the most visible form of workplace crime, but it is not the only challenge women face. Indian laws mandate that companies provide a range of safety measures and facilities for women, such as separate toilets, crèches for working mothers, safe transportation for late-night shifts, and reasonable working hours. These regulations are vital to creating an inclusive environment where women can work without fear or discomfort. Yet, in practice, many organizations, particularly smaller businesses and those in the unorganized sector, fail to comply with these legal requirements. Even large corporations that should be leading by example often meet only the bare minimum, leaving significant gaps in ensuring comprehensive workplace safety for women. This gap between legal mandates and actual enforcement is at the heart of the issue. India has a robust legal framework to protect women, with laws like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, and various labour laws that address workplace safety. However, these laws often remain ineffective due to poor enforcement, inadequate monitoring, and a lack of accountability among employers. The legal framework relies heavily on companies to voluntarily comply with regulations, which, without external pressure or oversight, is a system that is prone to failure. Many businesses prioritize profit over safety, and without stringent checks from government agencies or independent audits by civil society, women’s safety is often relegated to an afterthought. Beyond the workplace, this issue is symptomatic of broader societal problems rooted in deep-seated patriarchy. The pervasive culture of gender stereotyping and male entitlement continues to undermine efforts to ensure women’s safety. In many cases, even when companies implement safety measures, patriarchal attitudes among male colleagues, supervisors, or management can nullify these initiatives. Harassment and exploitation thrive in environments where women are still viewed as secondary or where their presence is seen as a threat to traditional gender norms. Changing these ingrained attitudes requires not just legal reforms but also a cultural transformation that challenges patriarchal views and promotes gender equality as a core societal value. The failure to address workplace safety effectively has far-reaching consequences. Women’s economic empowerment and their ability to contribute fully to India’s growth story are severely hampered when the workplace is not a safe space. The economic consequences of failing to protect women are significant, as businesses lose out on the skills, talents, and perspectives that women bring to the table.
To combat rising workplace crimes and ensure the safety of women in Jammu and Kashmir, the government should implement robust monitoring systems to enforce existing laws and conduct regular audits to ensure businesses comply with safety standards. Providing incentives for companies to adopt gender-sensitive policies, while penalizing non-compliance, will encourage greater accountability. Collaborating with civil society to promote awareness about women’s rights and workplace safety, alongside educational initiatives to challenge patriarchal attitudes, will help drive lasting change. Additionally, improving public transportation security and establishing accessible grievance mechanisms will enhance women’s confidence and participation in the workforce.