Celebrating Progress, Addressing Challenges In Gender Equality And Women’s Safety

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on the 8th of March every year, aligning with its global observance. Its roots in India trace back to the freedom struggle and early feminist movements led by figures like Sarojini Naidu and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay.

Post-independence, the Constitution granted women equal rights, but societal challenges like gender discrimination, domestic violence, workplace challenges, unsafe travel, traditional biases and narrow outlook persisted. The adoption of IWD in India gained momentum after the UN recognized it in 1975, becoming a platform to address women’s issues.

Women’s Day in Indis highlights the need for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Despite progress, issues like gender-based violence, unequal pay, low workforce participation, and limited access to education and healthcare persist. The day celebrates women’s achievements while advocating for their rights and addressing systemic barriers.

Significance: Women’s Day in India is a time to honor women trailblazers who broke barriers in their fields. It also raises awareness about challenges faced by marginalized women, including rural, dalit, and tribal communities. The day encourages education, economic independence, and legal reforms, while challenging patriarchal norms. Campaigns, seminars, and social media trends like #BreakTheBias amplify the call for equality.

Women across the world, including in India, face numerous forms of inequity and challenges outside their homes. These issues are rooted in gender discrimination, patriarchal norms, and systemic barriers. Below are examples of inequities and problems faced by women in public spaces, workplaces, and society:

Gender Pay Gap: Women often earn less than men for the same work. In India, the gender pay gap is around 20-30%, with women in informal sectors facing even greater disparities.

Limited Access to Education: Many girls, especially in rural areas, are denied education due to poverty, early marriage, or societal norms. This limits their opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Under-Representation in Leadership: Women are significantly underrepresented in leadership roles in politics, corporate boards, and other decision-making positions. For example, only about 14% of Indian MPs are women.

Unequal Access to Healthcare: Women often face barriers to accessing healthcare, including lack of awareness, financial constraints, and societal stigma, especially regarding reproductive health.

Digital Divide: Women, particularly in rural areas, have less access to technology and the internet, limiting their opportunities for education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Problems Faced by Women Outside their Homes

Harassment and Violence in Public Spaces: Women often face eve-teasing, cat-calling, stalking, and physical assault in public spaces like streets, public transport, and markets. Incidents of sexual harassment and rape remain a significant concern, with many cases going unreported due to fear or stigma.

Safety Concerns in Public Transport: Women face safety issues while using buses, trains, and auto-rickshaws, especially during late hours. Lack of adequate lighting and security exacerbates these problems.

Workplace Discrimination: Women often face gender bias, sexual harassment, and lack of opportunities for promotion in workplaces. The glass ceiling prevents many from reaching top positions. Maternity leave and childcare facilities are often inadequate, forcing many women to leave their jobs.

Lack of Access to Sanitation: Many women in rural and urban areas struggle with inadequate access to clean and safe public toilets, which affects their health and dignity.

Cultural and Social Restrictions: Societal norms often restrict women’s mobility, clothing choices, and participation in public life. For example, women may be discouraged from traveling alone or working late hours.

Economic Exploitation: Women in informal sectors, such as domestic work, agriculture, and construction, often face low wages, long hours, and lack of legal protections.

Cyber Harassment: With the rise of technology, women increasingly face online harassment, including cyberbullying, doxing, and revenge porn.

Discrimination in Education and Sports: Girls are often discouraged from pursuing higher education or participating in sports, limiting their opportunities for growth and empowerment.

Train Travel for Women –

Challenges & Issues

Traveling by train in India can be a challenging experience for women due to a combination of safety concerns, infrastructure issues, and societal attitudes. Below are some of the key problems faced by women while traveling in trains in India:

Safety and Security Concerns

Harassment and Eve-Teasing: Women often face verbal harassment, catcalling, and unwanted attention from male passengers, especially in general compartments.

Physical Assault: Incidents of groping, touching, and even sexual assault are reported, particularly in crowded trains. Also, they are susceptible to injuries due to snatching of jewelries, valuables, handbags & purses etc.

Lack of Police Presence: Insufficient security personnel, especially female officers, makes it difficult to address safety concerns promptly.

Insufficient Lighting: Sometimes, dimly-lit coaches and stations, especially at night, increase the risk of harassment and theft.

Inadequate Facilities for Women

Lack of Clean Toilets: Dirty and poorly maintained toilets in trains are a major issue, particularly for women who need hygienic facilities.

Limited Women Coaches: While some trains have reserved coaches for women, these are often overcrowded, and not all trains provide this facility.

No Separate Queues: At stations, women often face difficulties due to the absence of separate queues or counters for ticket booking and boarding.

Overcrowding and Lack of Privacy

General Compartments: Women traveling in general compartments often face overcrowding, making it uncomfortable and unsafe.

Lack of Privacy: In sleeper and unreserved coaches, women may feel exposed due to the lack of privacy and the presence of male passengers.

Long-Distance Travel Challenges

Night Travel: Women traveling overnight often feel unsafe, especially in sleeper coaches where co-passengers may be strangers.

Luggage Safety: Managing luggage while traveling alone can be stressful, with the risk of theft or tampering.

Food and Water: Limited access to clean drinking water and hygienic food options can be a problem, especially for the infants & small children, during long journeys.

Delay in Emergency Support

Delayed Response: In case of emergencies, such as harassment or medical issues, the response is often slow and not in real-time.

No Panic Buttons: Most trains lack panic buttons or emergency alarms in women’s coaches, making it difficult to seek immediate help.

6. Cultural and Societal Issues

Judgmental Attitudes: Women traveling alone or at night are often subjected to judgmental stares and unsolicited comments from fellow passengers.

Lack of Awareness: Many women are unaware of their rights or the mechanisms available to report harassment or seek help.

Insecurity While Traveling Alone: Social Conditioning for Solo Travel: In countries like India, women are often advised not to travel alone, and this mentality makes them feel uncomfortable about traveling. Many women prefer to travel with family instead of traveling alone because it is considered “safer” in society.

Hesitation to Ask for Help: When women travel alone and face difficulties (such as getting lost or getting stuck in an emergency), they may hesitate to ask for help because they often feel insecure or are suspicious of the intentions of the person offering assistance.

Physical Problems During Travel: Menstrual-related Issues: While traveling, women may face discomfort during menstruation, especially if the journey is long or if there are no clean facilities available along the way.

Health Problems: During travel, especially on long journeys, women may face exhaustion, dehydration, or other physical issues, and the lack of appropriate medical assistance can be an additional challenge in such situations.

Limited Access to Locations and Resources: Lack of Women-friendly Travel Options: In many places, women face a lack of safe and women-friendly travel options. For example, there may be a lack of special vehicles or spaces for female travellers or a shortage of transportation that prioritizes their safety.

Social and Cultural Barriers: During travel, women may face social and cultural restrictions. For instance, women may be restricted from entering certain religious sites or may be required to wear specific types of clothing at certain locations during their travels.

Role of Women Personnel in RPF

Women in the police force and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and addressing gender-specific issues. Over the years, the representation of women in these forces has increased, but challenges remain. At present, the RPF has the highest representation of women in its ranks, over 9%, as compared to the other Central Forces. In the future, it is also likely to increase.

Recognition of Women Employee: Women RPF personnel are always honoured for their exceptional contributions in ensuring passenger safety, handling critical cases and participating in rescue operations. Good work & inspiring stories of women officers/staff are being highlighted and rewarded suitably to inspire others. RPF frequently organizes self-defence training sessions for women officers/staff to enhance their confidence and ability to protect themselves in situations of danger.

Initiatives by RPF for a Safe Journey for Women Travellers on Trains

(Figures – Year 2024)

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) conducts several operations and initiatives to ensure the safety and security of women passengers traveling by train in India. Some of the key operations specifically aimed at protecting women include:

1. Meri Saheli Initiative

Started in 2020 to provide safety to lone or vulnerable women travellers.

RPF personnel interact with female passengers, give safety tips, and keep a close watch throughout their journey.

Women traveling alone are identified at the station and checked on periodically during the journey.

Shakti, Durga & Devi Squads

Special women-led teams patrolling railway premises to prevent crimes against women.

These squads handle cases of harassment, stalking, and eve-teasing.

Operation Nanhe Farishte

Though primarily aimed at rescuing missing and trafficked children, it also protects young girls from trafficking networks operating in trains and stations.

Helps rescue runaway or abandoned girls who are at risk of exploitation.

Nirbhaya Fund Projects

The Nirbhaya Fund (by the Indian government) is used for installing CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and improving helpline services in trains and railway stations.

RPF ensures the implementation of these safety measures.

Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs)

RPF conducts surprise checks in trains to identify trafficking victims, especially women and children.

Works with NGOs and local police to rescue victims and arrest traffickers.

139 Railway Helpline

A dedicated 24×7 emergency helpline (139) for passengers, especially women, to report harassment, theft, or other safety concerns while traveling.

RPF quickly responds to distress calls and takes necessary action

Akshita Safe Bubble

The South East Central Railway (SECR) has implemented the ‘Akshita Safe Bubble’ initiative, designating secure waiting areas on platforms exclusively for female passengers. These enclosures are equipped with seating, proper lighting, drinking water, and are monitored by CCTV cameras to ensure women’s safety while waiting for trains.

Operation Matri Shakti

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has launched Operation Matri Shakti to assist pregnant women passengers during their train journeys. Under this initiative, RPF personnel, especially women officers, provide timely support to expectant mothers who go into labor while traveling. In 2024, RPF personnel assisted in 174 childbirths on trains and at railway stations. This operation underscores the RPF’s commitment to passenger welfare, ensuring the safety and well-being of mothers and new-borns during rail travel.

Operation Jeevan Raksha

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has initiated Operation Jeevan Raksha to enhance passenger safety across India’s railway network. This operation focuses on preventing accidents during boarding and deboarding, particularly those involving passengers slipping between the platform and train. RPF personnel are trained to respond swiftly to such incidents, often risking their own lives to save others.

For instance, in January 2025, RPF staff saved a passenger who lost balance while boarding a moving train. In January 2024 alone, RPF’s vigilant actions under this operation saved the lives of 3384 passengers. These efforts underscore RPF’s commitment to ensuring passenger safety and preventing tragic accidents on railway premises.

Operation Mahila Suraksha

Mission Mahila Suraksha is an initiative launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways to ensure the safety and security of women passengers during their train journeys. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) in India has launched specific operations to curb unauthorized entry into reserved coaches for women passengers.

These operations are aimed at ensuring the safety and comfort of women traveling by train, especially in reserved compartments such as the Ladies Coaches and Reserved Women Coaches.

Operation Dignity

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has initiated Operation Dignity to assist individuals in distress within railway premises, focusing on the elderly, destitute, and those requiring care and protection. RPF personnel identify such individuals and collaborate with NGOs and rehabilitation centers to provide necessary support and shelter.

For instance, in 2024, the RPF rescued 4047 people, including 1607 women, under this initiative. In a recent case, the RPF team at St. Thomas Mount rescued a woman in need and ensured her safety by handing her over to appropriate authorities. These efforts underscore the RPF’s commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of vulnerable individuals in railway areas.

Sensitization and Awareness Campaigns:

Gender Sensitization Programs: Workshops and training sessions are being organized for RPF personnel to sensitize them about issues related to gender equality and women’s rights.

Awareness Drives: Regular awareness campaigns are being conducted at railway stations to educate passengers on the safety measures and resources available for women, such as helplines.

Public Displays: short videos are being played at major railway stations to make passengers aware about the modus operandie of offenders in crime against women and the safety measures to be taken while travelling.

Article By Munawar Khursheed, Inspector General, RPF, SEC Railway, Bilaspur