National Discussion on Women’s Safety in Public and Workspaces Concludes in Delhi

Holistic Approach Urged for Women’s Safety The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Acting Chairperson, Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, called for a comprehensive approach to addressing women’s safety in both public and workspaces. Despite existing laws and policies aimed at women’s empowerment, she highlighted that significant barriers still remain, stressing the need for stronger law enforcement and accountability.

Strengthening Implementation of Laws and Holding Perpetrators Accountable Smt. Sayani emphasized that incidents of violent sexual abuse against women require collective efforts. She called for improvements in the criminal justice system, public awareness campaigns, and better support mechanisms for survivors.

Safety Audits and Gender Sensitization Proposed The symposium recommended conducting safety and social audits of cities and institutions to identify gaps in ensuring women’s safety. It also suggested gender sensitization programs at all levels—schools, workplaces, and law enforcement—to promote a preventive approach toward women’s safety.

Media’s Role in Shaping Societal Attitudes NHRC Director General Shri Ajay Bhatnagar urged media and film industries to avoid glorifying harmful behaviors such as stalking, which he argued has a direct impact on societal perceptions. He also stressed the need to address power imbalances and prioritize gender equity over equality.

Challenges Faced by Young Women in Public Spaces Highlighted NHRC Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal highlighted the increasing participation of women aged 18-30 in the workforce but expressed concern over rising crime rates against them. He called for a collective societal effort to improve safety for women.

Recommendations for Workplace Safety and Collective Responsibility Key recommendations included establishing proactive Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) in workplaces to ensure women feel safe and encouraging bystander intervention in public spaces. The symposium also emphasized that women’s safety should be viewed as a collective responsibility of society.

Key Figures Attend Symposium The event saw participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from the National Commission for Women (NCW), Delhi Police, UN Women India, and corporate leaders. The NHRC plans to finalize recommendations based on the discussions to improve women’s safety measures across India.

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