Ongoing Issue of Violence Against Women in India
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 was introduced in response to the 2012 Delhi gang rape, aiming to improve legal protections and speed up justice.
Despite these changes, violence continues.
The Nirbhaya Fund, intended to enhance women’s safety, has mainly funded CCTV cameras and additional police rather than comprehensive solutions.
Cities are often designed with little consideration for women's safety or needs.
This includes inadequate public transport, unsafe streets, and poor housing options.
Women face challenges in finding safe, affordable housing and struggle with limited participation in the formal job market.
Way Forward
Cities need to be designed to meet women’s needs, with safe streets, accessible public transport, and adequate infrastructure for women’s roles in society.
Invest in infrastructure that supports women’s employment and care responsibilities, such as affordable childcare and care facilities.
Ensure women are actively involved in urban planning and policy-making to address their specific needs and concerns.
Implement and review gender budgeting to ensure resources are effectively used to create safer, more inclusive urban environments for women.
Move beyond temporary solutions like increased security and focus on systemic changes that address the root causes of violence against women
Design urban spaces that allow women to thrive, ensuring they have equal access to housing, jobs, and leisure without fear of violence
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