Author –Akansha Yadav, BA.LLB Student at Amity University, Lucknow
ABSTRACT
Ensuring a safe working environment for women is fundamental to gender equality and workplace rights. Despite significant legal advancements, women continue to face various challenges, including sexual harassment, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions. This research critically examines the legal frameworks, challenges, and solutions concerning workplace safety for women, with a particular focus on the effectiveness of existing laws and policies.
The study delves into the international and national legal frameworks, highlighting key conventions by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations declarations that emphasize workplace safety and gender equality. National laws, such as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013 in India, labor laws, and judicial precedents, are analyzed to assess their implementation and effectiveness. The research also explores the barriers women face in reporting workplace misconduct, the role of internal complaints committees (ICCs), and the challenges in enforcing legal protections.
Furthermore, the paper examines various landmark judicial decisions, such as Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997), which laid the foundation for workplace safety regulations in India. A comparative analysis of global best practices is conducted, highlighting successful workplace policies in developed nations and their applicability in different legal and socio-economic contexts. The study also addresses compliance issues, the role of organizations in fostering a safe work culture, and the corporate sector’s responsibility in preventing harassment and ensuring gender-sensitive policies.
To bridge the existing gaps, this research proposes legal and policy reforms, including stricter enforcement mechanisms, awareness programs, and corporate initiatives aimed at ensuring workplace safety for women. By analyzing existing frameworks and identifying shortcomings, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on strengthening workplace safety regulations and fostering an inclusive, harassment-free work environment. The findings emphasize the need for a multidimensional approach involving legal, social, and organizational interventions to create workplaces where women can thrive without fear of discrimination or harassment.
Keywords – Women, Gender Equality, Sexual Harassment, Workplace, Gender-Sensitive.
