How the threat of sexual violence discourages women from working

Source: The post how the threat of sexual violence discourages women from working has been created, based on the article “India’s rise will depend on how safe women feel” published in “Live Mints” on 16th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Governance-mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

Context: The article discusses how the threat of sexual violence discourages women from working, contributing to low female labor force participation in India. It highlights the need for better safety measures and societal change to ensure women’s independence and economic growth.

For detailed information on Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment Act read this article here

How Does Sexual Violence Affect Women’s Decisions?

1. Sexual violence makes women fearful, influencing their decision to join the workforce.
2. Researchers Chakraborty and Lohawala found that for every additional crime against women per 1,000, about 32 women are deterred from working.
3. Despite improved education and declining fertility rates, India’s female labor-force participation remains low.
4. Safety concerns limit women’s mobility and career choices, as they often alter their lifestyles to avoid danger.
5. Families use the threat of violence to discourage women from seeking employment, reducing their financial independence and bargaining power within households.

What Should be Done?

1. Improve Women’s Safety: Implement stronger safety measures for women, especially in public spaces, to encourage their participation in the workforce. The fear of sexual violence deters around 32 women per 1,000 from working.
2. Change Societal Attitudes: Challenge and reform the societal belief that a woman’s place is at home. This mindset limits their freedom to work and hinders economic growth.
3. Reform Language: Avoid using terms like “sisters,” “daughters,” or “mothers” to describe women in public roles. These labels link their identity to men, reducing their individuality and agency.
4. Support with Policies: Expand special transport facilities and enforce stronger laws against gender violence. However, these must be complemented by efforts to change public perceptions.
5. Promote Economic Independence: Encourage women’s employment to ensure financial independence, which reduces their vulnerability to domestic violence and increases their decision-making power.

6.Address Workforce Gender Imbalance: Reducing the gender skew in the workforce is crucial for sustainable economic growth, especially as India’s demographic dividend won’t last forever.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how the threat of sexual violence impacts women’s participation in the workforce and what measures can be taken to address this issue.