Did you know?
Over 80% of women in urban India report feeling unsafe in public spaces after dark
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Overview
Rising cases of domestic violence, cyber harassment, and unsafe public spaces in the city have highlighted the need for systemic change in women safety. A truly inclusive city requires not only stronger institutional support and gender-sensitive urban planning but also safe infrastructure and active community engagement to ensure that every woman can live, work, and move freely and fearlessly.
As urban centers like Gurgaon grow rapidly, the need to ensure the safety and dignity of women becomes even more pressing.
True progress lies not just in infrastructure or industry, but in creating a city where every individual—regardless of gender—can live, work, and move without fear.
The Current Landscape
Gurgaon has seen concerning trends in recent years:
- A surge in domestic violence, especially during and after the COVID-19 lockdown
- An increase in cyberstalking and digital harassment
- Gaps in public transport safety and urban planning
Institutional Support Systems
Gurgaon benefits from a responsive administrative framework designed to assist women in distress. Key features include:
- Women’s Police Stations
- 24-Hour Women Helpline
- One-Stop Center at Civil Hospital, providing emergency, medical, and legal assistance
Women are encouraged to save these emergency helpline numbers:
100 (Police) | 1091 (Women’s Helpline) | 1098 (Child Helpline)
India’s legal safeguards, such as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013) and the POCSO Act (2012), offer crucial protections, especially in workplaces and for minors.
Infrastructure: The Need for Safer Spaces
Urban design directly impacts safety. Gurgaon must prioritize:
- Adequate lighting
- Well-designed pedestrian walkways
- Active street life
- Reliable, safe public transport
Old Gurgaon, with its bustling street life, is often seen as safer than New Gurgaon, where deserted stretches and a lack of vendors can make women feel vulnerable.
A woman-friendly city also means inclusive public spaces. Today, evenings in many areas remain male-dominated. Self-defence classes or carrying pepper spray are helpful—but they are not long-term solutions. Safety should not be a privilege; it is a basic right.
Community & Societal Involvement
Safety isn’t only a government responsibility—it’s a shared civic duty. Community groups such as:
- Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)
- Schools
- NGOs and support groups
…can play a vital role by:
- Promoting value-based education
- Conducting gender-sensitization workshops
- Encouraging reporting of abuse
- Challenging harmful societal norms
Tech & Government Initiatives
The Haryana Government’s "Safe City" project includes:
- Improved public transport safety
- Widespread CCTV surveillance
- Faster police response mechanisms
A Path Forward
Creating a truly safe Gurgaon means going beyond surface-level solutions. We must combine:
- Institutional strength
- Urban planning improvements
- Community and cultural transformation
Safety for women is not just about protection—it's about freedom, equality, and empowerment. Let’s work together to build a Gurgaon where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported.
If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to call the emergency helplines: 100, 1091, or 1098.
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