Opinion | Gender-Based Violence and Women’s Safety: An Urgent Call for Reform and Resilience

In a nation that worships goddesses and celebrates womanhood through myriad festivals, the paradox of gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most deeply entrenched social challenges. From homes to workplaces, streets to cyberspace, women in India continue to face threats to their dignity and safety. Despite numerous legal provisions and government initiatives, the gap between policies and implementation remains a critical concern.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2024, crimes against women witnessed a 4.2% rise compared to the previous year. The most reported crimes include domestic violence, molestation, rape, abduction, acid attacks, and cyberstalking. While this may reflect growing awareness and better reporting, it is also a stark reminder of the persistent dangers women face across the country.

However, rather than merely lamenting over statistics, it is essential to examine the policy gaps, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate the resilience of women and the positive steps being taken.

The NCRB reported over 4.6 lakh cases of crimes against women in 2024, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and West Bengal topping the list. Among metropolitan cities, Delhi reported the highest number of GBV cases, followed by Mumbai and Bengaluru. Most disturbingly, over 30% of the crimes were related to domestic violence, and rape cases alone exceeded 33,000.

But behind these grim figures is a slightly brighter reality: reporting of such crimes is increasing, thanks to awareness campaigns, women-centric helplines, and digital complaint portals. Women are speaking up, demanding justice, and refusing to remain silent—a shift that must be acknowledged and supported.

India has some of the most progressive laws aimed at protecting women—The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, POSH Act, 2013, Section 354 of the IPC, and more. Yet, implementation remains patchy, and justice delayed often becomes justice denied.

Key policy gaps include:

1. Underfunded Support Systems: One-stop crisis centers, women’s shelters, and legal aid cells are either unavailable or under-equipped in many districts.

2. Inadequate Police Sensitization: Victim-blaming attitudes still persist at the police station level. Gender sensitization training for law enforcement remains inconsistent.

3. Lack of Fast-Track Courts: While there are provisions for fast-track courts for GBV cases, they are often overburdened, leading to delays in trials and justice delivery.

4. Cybercrime and Legal Vacuum: Online harassment, deepfakes, and stalking are rising, but the laws are still catching up with the rapidly evolving digital space.

5. Rural Disparity: Safety infrastructure such as CCTV surveillance, street lighting, and women’s helplines are largely absent in rural India.

Despite the challenges, several positive developments have emerged:

Mission Shakti (2020–2025): This umbrella scheme merges and strengthens existing women-centric programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Nirbhaya Fund, and Ujjawala Scheme.

Digital Helplines and Apps: Initiatives like the 112 emergency response system, She-Box for workplace harassment, and police-run apps like Himmat and Raksha have empowered women to reach out in real time.

Increased Budgetary Allocation: The 2025 Union Budget allocated ₹4,200 crore for women safety—focused on smart policing, forensic labs, and victim support.

Grassroots Participation: In several states, Mahila Police Volunteers (MPVs) and Self-Help Groups have been trained to act as the first line of community-based defense.

Judicial Sensitization: High Courts have initiated gender training modules for judges to better handle sensitive GBV cases.

Government efforts alone cannot end GBV. Community-level interventions are essential. When local communities take ownership, change becomes sustainable. Schools and colleges must integrate gender sensitization in their curriculum, while religious and community leaders must advocate against patriarchal practices.

In Kashmir, for instance, women-led NGOs and youth volunteers have been conducting gender awareness drives in both urban and rural belts—transforming public attitudes and creating informal but vital support systems.

Creating safer spaces for women means moving beyond legal frameworks. It means building trust, empathy, and accountability in families, institutions, and online platforms. Workplace policies must ensure effective protection under the POSH Act, and companies must move from tokenism to meaningful inclusivity.

Men have a crucial role to play. GBV is not just a women’s issue—it is a human rights issue. HeForShe campaigns and community mentoring initiatives involving men and boys must be supported and scaled up.

The road to gender justice requires bold reforms and a sustained societal commitment. A few urgent steps include:

Strengthening forensic and medical infrastructure.

Mandatory tracking and reporting at district and panchayat levels.

Safer public transport with panic buttons and real-time GPS monitoring.

Pan-India monitoring for women’s safety schemes.

Gender education in schools from early stages.

Expansion of fast-track courts.

Inclusion of women’s voices at all decision-making levels.

Gender-based violence is a deep-rooted issue that cannot be solved by laws alone. But with the right mix of policy implementation, grassroots activism, and cultural change, India can become a place where every woman feels safe, respected, and empowered.

This is not just about preventing violence—it is about building a just society. Women are not victims to be protected; they are leaders, innovators, and citizens who deserve dignity, safety, and opportunity.

As India marches toward progress, the true measure of its success will be reflected in how safe and empowered its women feel—not just in laws, but in every street, every home, every institution.

Let this be our collective mission:

To build an India where no woman has to fear for her safety, her freedom, or her future.

Writer is social activist mnoorkashmir@gmail.com