Background
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, one of India’s most urbanized states, offers numerous employment opportunities for women in both formal and informal sectors. However, the city also witnesses a high incidence of crimes against women. In 2021, 428,278 cases of crimes against women were reported nationwide, a 15.3% increase from the previous year, with about 10% of these crimes occurring in Chennai. This situation is particularly challenging for women who must access public spaces daily for their livelihoods, such as traffic police, sweepers, auto drivers, and delivery workers. Understanding and addressing the safety perceptions and challenges faced by these women is crucial.
Objectives
The main objectives of this study are to:
- Understand the daily challenges women face in accessing public spaces for work.
- Identify the safety issues women encounter while working in public spaces.
- Examine other challenges such as mobility constraints and exposure to heat that affect women working in public spaces.
- Identify potential solutions through infrastructural and policy interventions.
Methodology
LEAD at Krea University, in partnership with the Gender & Policy Lab, Greater Chennai Corporation, conducted a mixed-methods study to achieve these objectives. The study involved collecting data on women’s daily experiences and the specific challenges they face while working in public spaces. In-depth interviews were conducted to gain deeper insights into safety perceptions and other issues impacting women’s work in public areas.
Key components of the methodology include:
Comprehensive Data Collection: Gathering both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a holistic understanding of the issues.
Collaborative Research: Partnering with the Chennai Gender Lab to leverage local expertise and ensure the study’s relevance to the community.
Focus on Practical Solutions: Identifying actionable solutions that can be implemented through policy and infrastructural changes.
Implications
This project underscores the critical need for targeted policy and infrastructural interventions to improve the safety and working conditions of women in Chennai’s public spaces. By addressing these issues, stakeholders can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women workers, enhancing their safety, empowerment, and economic participation.
Key Findings
Results forthcoming.