Experts speak on boosting women's safety, representation at workplace

In an era where women's voices are finally being heard, a panel of experts at India Today Conclave Mumbai 2024 emphasises the urgent need for systemic change in workplaces, pushing for greater female representation and a cultural shift towards safety and respect.

In Short

• Mumbai Conclave panel discussed women's safety at work
• Urgent need for more women in leadership roles in law enforcement
• Alarming drop-off in women's workforce participation after five years

At the India Today Mumbai Conclave on Thursday, a powerful panel featuring Meeran Chadha Borwankar, former Commissioner of Police Pune and Chief of Crime Branch Mumbai, Prabha Chandra, Senior Professor of Psychiatry and Dean of Behavioural Sciences at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Mihira Sood, Supreme Court Lawyer and Women's Rights Expert, and Rituparna Chakraborty, Co-Founder of TeamLease & Independent Director on Boards, delved deep into the critical issue of women's safety in the workplace and the urgent need for increased female representation in leadership roles across industries.

The panel emphasised the urgent need for transformative change in societal attitudes and organisational structures to address the stark disparities in women's workforce participation and representation in law enforcement.

Currently, only 25 percent of women participate in the workforce, and just 12 percent of police personnel are women.

"This lack of representation highlights the necessity for more women in leadership roles within law enforcement to effectively advocate for women's rights," said Meeran Chadha Borwankar, Former Commissioner of Police Pune and Chief of Crime Branch Mumbai.

Rituparna Chakraborty urged women to take ownership of their roles in the workforce, highlighting that many drop out after five years, creating gaps in mid-level leadership and perpetuating insensitivity to women's challenges.

This trend not only hampers women's professional growth but also contributes to a lack of awareness amongst leaders regarding the challenges faced by lower-ranking employees. A robust support system is essential for encouraging female retention and advancement.

The panellists stressed the importance of involving men in this discourse. They noted that many men may not fully understand the impact of their words and actions, due to ingrained cultural norms.

A mindset shift amongst men is vital for lasting change, highlighting the need for them to recognise women as equals in the workplace.

Affirmative action emerged as a critical measure for increasing women's representation in leadership roles. The panel framed this not as an act of charity but as a fundamental right to gender equality.

Additionally, the need for safer workplaces was underscored, with calls for organisations to take responsibility for preventing harassment and resolving disputes effectively. Suggestions included creating flatter organisational structures to reduce power imbalances, which can significantly lower the likelihood of harassment.

The panel reiterated that achieving gender equity is a collective responsibility requiring immediate action and sustained commitment from all stakeholders, particularly those in positions of privilege. They urged the need to uplift women’s voices and ensure their safety in the workplace.