Safe Spaces, Stronger Workforces: Why Women’s Workplace Safety is the Key to India’s Growth

Every few months, headlines jolt us into reality: a tragic incident involving a woman at her workplace forces society to ask—are our workspaces truly safe for women? Sadly, these moments are not isolated; they are symptoms of a much deeper and systemic issue—the lack of workplace safety for Indian women. Beyond the personal trauma, this has far-reaching economic consequences. When women feel unsafe at work, many opt out altogether, pushing India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) even lower. 

Data doesn’t lie: The fear factor at work 

According to a 2021 ILO Discussion Paper, for every additional crime per 1,000 women in a district, 32 women choose not to join the workforce. That’s not a minor figure—it points to widespread self-censorship, where fear becomes the reason women don’t even try to participate economically. 

A survey conducted by the National Bar Association among 6,000 employees confirmed that sexual harassment exists across sectors and ranges from inappropriate comments to quid-pro-quo advances. Most victims never report these incidents, deterred by fear of retaliation, stigma, or lack of awareness about legal protection under laws like POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, 2013). 

A troubling trend in numbers 

Data from 708 NSE-listed companies shows a sharp 29% rise in POSH complaints from FY 2022–23 to FY 2023–24. More concerning is the 67% rise in pending cases, suggesting not only more women are coming forward—but that the system is failing to respond in time. 

This paints a stark picture of the current state of women safety in workplace environments across sectors. Industries like Services, Metals & Mining, and Construction Materials report the highest rates of POSH cases per 1,000 women, especially in field-based or on-ground roles. In some instances, such as among women forest staff in Uttarakhand, employees are increasingly opting for desk roles over field assignments—simply to feel safer. 

Interestingly, the larger the organization, the fewer unresolved POSH cases—indicating that strong internal mechanisms and policy enforcement significantly enhance women safety in workplace settings. Even more telling: companies with higher numbers of women employees report lower incidence of sexual harassment. In short, representation—and systemic support—matters. 

Best practices: Turning data into action 

So what can companies actually do to create safer workspaces? Here are some proven and actionable steps: 

1. Sensitization and training 

Educating employees—especially male managers—on respectful workplace behaviour is crucial. Regular workshops and internal messaging from top leadership help reinforce a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. 

2. Safe infrastructure 

Provide access to clean, private restrooms and changing rooms, especially in sectors like healthcare or field jobs. Create safe, well-lit spaces for rest during long shifts. 

3. Better reporting mechanisms 

Introduce multi-lingual and anonymous digital platforms where women can report harassment without fear of retaliation. Also, ensure complaints are resolved within a strict timeline—ideally 45 days as per the POSH mandate. 

4. Women support networks 

Encourage the formation of employee resource groups or women alliances where experiences can be shared and escalated if necessary. 

Safety beyond office walls: Travel and accommodation