“Ensuring safe train travel for women passengers”

International Women’s Day

By Munavvar Khurshid
(IG, Railway, Sub-Divisional Railway, SER, Bilaspur)

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on 8th March. In India, it has its roots in the freedom struggle and early feminist movements led by great personalities like Sarojini Naidu and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay. After Independence, the Constitution granted equal rights to women, but social problems like gender discrimination, domestic violence, workplace challenges, and traditional prejudices persisted. IWD gained importance in India after it was recognised by the United Nations in 1975. The day became a platform to celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for their rights. However, problems like gender-based violence, unequal pay, low participation in the workforce, and limited access to education and health services still persist.

Significance : Women’s Day in India is an occasion to honour pioneering women who broke barriers in their fields. It is also a means to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women from rural, Dalit and tribal communities. The day challenges patriarchal beliefs while promoting education, economic independence and legal reforms. Campaigns, seminars and social media trends such as #BreakTheBias further amplify this call for gender equality.

Challenges faced by women

1. Gender pay gap: Women earn 20-30% less than men for the same work.
2. Limited access to education: Many girls in rural areas are denied education due to poverty and social beliefs.
3. Low representation in leadership: Only 14% of MPs in the Indian Parliament are women.
4. Unequal access to health services: Women often face barriers to accessing reproductive health services.
5. Digital divide: Women in rural areas have less access to technology and the internet.

Problems faced by women outside the home

1. Harassment and violence in public places: Women often face eve-teasing, cat-calling and physical assault.
2. Safety concerns in public transport: Women feel unsafe in buses and trains.
3. Discrimination at the workplace: Women often face gender bias and sexual harassment.
4. Lack of access to sanitation: Lack of clean public toilets affects women’s health.
5. Cultural and social restrictions: Restrictions are imposed on women’s travel and participation in public life.
6. Economic exploitation: Women in the unorganised sector face low wages and long working hours.
7. Cyber ​​harassment: Women are victims of online harassment and cyber bullying.
8. Discrimination in education and sports: Girls are often discouraged from participating in higher education and sports. Challenges of train travel for women
9. Safety concerns: Women are often victims of harassment and theft.
10. Inadequate facilities: Dirty toilets and lack of women’s compartments in trains are a major problem.
11. Overcrowding and lack of privacy: Women travelling in general compartments are inconvenienced.
12. Challenges in long distance travel: Women travelling at night feel insecure.
13. Delay in emergency assistance: Response in cases of harassment or medical emergencies is often slow.

RPF initiatives for women passengers

1. Meri Saheli Initiative: Ensuring safety of women travelling alone.
2. Shakti, Durga and Devi Squads: Special teams to prevent crimes against women.
3. Operation Nanhe Farishte: Rescuing missing and trafficked children.
4. Nirbhaya Fund projects: Installation of CCTV cameras and panic buttons.
5. 139 Railway Helpline: 24×7 emergency helpline.
6. Akshita Safe Bubble: Safe waiting area for women.
7. Operation Matru Shakti: Assisting pregnant women. 174 deliveries were assisted in 2024.
8. Operation Jeevan Raksha: 3,384 passengers’ lives were saved in January 2024.
9. Operation Dignity: 4,047 people were rescued in 2024, including 1,607 women.

International Women’s Day is an important platform to highlight the progress and challenges faced by women in Ind