In a concerted effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in rural communities of Gujarat, a collaborative study was conducted by Utthan and the Institute Of Social Studies Trust (ISST) focusing on women’s safety in public spaces. The study seeks to illuminate the complex challenges women face, particularly in public spaces, and to provide actionable insights that can drive policy and structural changes to enhance safety and security.
Below are the key highlights of the study, which highlights the critical issues surrounding women's safety in rural Gujarat.
Prevalence of Violence Against Women
The study revealed alarming statistics regarding women's experiences of violence. Over 22% of women surveyed reported experiencing some form of violence in the twelve months preceding the study. Domestic violence, eve-teasing, and stalking emerged as pervasive issues that significantly undermine women’s sense of security in both public and private spheres. The study emphasizes the need for alternative support systems, as only 12% of women who experienced violence sought help from the police.
Impact of Infrastructure on Women’s Safety
Infrastructure plays a crucial role in shaping women's perceptions of safety. The study highlighted that women's feelings of safety are significantly influenced by the conditions of roads, public lighting, and access to public transport. Better infrastructure correlates with enhanced feelings of safety, indicating that addressing these physical aspects is vital for improving women's security in rural areas. For instance, 76% of women across all surveyed villages reported that road conditions were poor, further exacerbating safety concerns.
Women’s Mobility and Accessibility to Services
The safety audit revealed that women in rural areas often face significant barriers to mobility, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. In tribal villages like Pav and Sajoi, 38.71% of women reported feeling only somewhat safe at educational institutions. Many women relied on public transport options like rickshaws or shared autos, yet safety concerns often led them to choose to walk to work despite the associated risks.
Workplace Safety Concerns
Safety in workplaces was notably precarious, especially in tribal areas. Around 82.75% of women in Makwana Na Varuna reported feeling completely unsafe at their workplaces, contrasting starkly with coastal villages, where perceptions of safety were generally more favorable. The majority of women in the tribal villages reported workplaces located more than 10 kilometers from their homes, further complicating their commute and raising safety concerns during travel.
Recommendations
To address the findings of the study and promote a safer environment for women and girls in rural Gujarat, several recommendations have been proposed:
- There is a need for Institutions to improve the effectiveness of awareness programs regarding GBV. This includes better design, inter-departmental convergence of resources and a unified approach to messaging and public disclosure of important helpline numbers.
- It is essential to sensitize local functionaries about gender-based violence and access to justice. Training should focus on creating a supportive environment that champions the rights of survivors.
- There is an urgent need to expedite violence case proceedings to ensure accountability. Establishing dedicated mechanisms and allocating necessary resources for handling GBV cases can fast-track the judicial process.
- All Gram Panchayats should prioritize addressing service and infrastructural gaps along with behavioral changes that impede women's safety through gender-friendly Gram Panchayat Development Planning (GPDP). This includes improving public lighting, road conditions, and transport services.
The findings of the safety audit highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address GBV and enhance women's mobility not just in rural Gujarat but all the public spaces. By recognizing the intersectional nature of these issues and implementing the recommended actions, we can apply a methodological approach which lays out an action plan to overcome barriers and create a supportive ecosystem that prioritizes women's safety and rights.
Ultimately, creating safe public spaces is not merely a matter of infrastructure but a crucial step towards empowering women and ensuring their right to a dignified life. As this study reveals, enhancing safety for women is a collective responsibility that requires concerted efforts from communities, local governance bodies, and state institutions.
You can read the full study here.
