A Flawed Fix for Women’s Safety
By Priyanka Saurabh
Proposals such as banning men from tailoring shops and salons, under the guise of ensuring women’s safety, perpetuate gender stereotypes and undermine women’s agency. Rather than addressing the root causes of harassment, such measures reinforce the narrative that women require constant protection and that men are inherently a threat, fostering mistrust and division. Gender segregation in workplaces like tailoring shops and salons not only harms professional dynamics but also stalls progress toward equality and inclusion.
The Flawed Premise of Gender Segregation
Social beliefs often frame women as weak and men as aggressive, creating an unequal dynamic that perpetuates harassment. Preventing male tailors from taking women’s measurements or restricting male barbers from salons assumes that the presence of men is a potential danger. This narrative undermines women’s professionalism and fosters dependency, rather than empowering them to operate on equal footing with men.
Studies from the National Institutes of Health reveal that workplace harassment is often a reflection of entrenched patriarchal attitudes rather than mere proximity between genders. Gender segregation reinforces these attitudes by targeting symptoms rather than addressing the root causes, such as power imbalances, inequality, and lack of awareness about workplace rights.
A Misguided Approach to Address Harassment
Despite legal protections like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, only 35% of Indian women are aware of these laws. The lack of awareness, coupled with inefficient implementation, emboldens harassers. Crimes against women, including sexual harassment, remain grossly underreported due to fears of victim-blaming, retaliation, and social stigma, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.
The failure to utilize resources like the Nirbhaya Fund underscores systemic governance lapses. Instead of introducing restrictive and gender-segregated workplace rules, the focus should shift toward raising awareness and fostering inclusive work environments.
Economic and Social Implications of Segregation
Gender-based segregation also has economic consequences, particularly in rural or smaller towns where male professionals like tailors and barbers may face reduced opportunities. Such restrictions disproportionately affect individuals from lower-income groups who lack alternatives. Segregation limits opportunities for collaboration, deepens inequality, and perpetuates the cycle of stereotyping by labeling men as threats and women as victims.
The Economic Survey 2023-24 noted that while the female labor force participation rate has increased, it remains at a modest 37%. Policies that restrict occupational choices for men and women reinforce stereotypes, further discouraging women from participating in certain professions and perpetuating male-dominated workspaces.
Toward Systemic Change
Segregation is a superficial solution to a complex problem. A more effective approach requires systemic changes, including:
Awareness Campaigns: Launch comprehensive initiatives focused on respect, consent, and workplace ethics. Extending the POSH Act’s training provisions to informal sectors like tailoring and salons would help address harassment at its roots.
Inclusive Staffing: Promote mixed-gender workplaces to foster mutual respect and reduce stereotyping. Campaigns like UN Women’s He for She have demonstrated the value of collaboration in breaking gender barriers.
Robust Legal Protections: Strengthen the implementation of anti-harassment laws and establish grievance redressal mechanisms for informal sectors. Expanding Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) would provide more accessible recourse for victims.
Infrastructure Improvements: Instead of segregation, create safer workplaces by introducing private fitting rooms, customer-friendly layouts, and clear safety protocols.
Skill Development and Financial Support: Provide training and financial assistance to professionals impacted by restrictive regulations. Programs under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) could help diversify clientele and secure livelihoods.
A Holistic Vision for Gender Equality
By addressing systemic issues like social attitudes, inequality, and lack of legal accountability, India can move beyond segregation toward true safety and equality. Gender segregation not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also distracts from meaningful reforms that foster inclusivity and respect.
Taking inspiration from global best practices, India must strive for a society where safety is not imposed through restrictive measures, but achieved through education, empowerment, and structural reform. Inclusive workplaces and strong legal protections are not just ideals—they are necessities for a future rooted in equality and mutual respect.
(Note:
Priyanka Saurabh is a research scholar in political science, poet, freelance journalist, and columnist based in Hisar, Haryana.)
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