K'taka Assembly Passes Bill For Women To Work Night Shift At Factories: How Women Can Stay Safe While Working

Thursday, February 23, 2023, 18:49

On Wednesday, 22 February 2023, the Karnataka Assembly passed a Bill that said it will allow women to work night shifts at factories. Also, employees who devote 12 hours a day for four consecutive days can take off for three days in a week, said Law & Parliamentary Affairs Minister JC Madhuswamy, hinting at the Factories (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, which was passed without a debate. Now, the bill will be presented in front of the Legislative Council.

According to a PTI report, Madhuswamy told the Assembly that, 'there were limitations on work hours for women. There was a lot of pressure on the government from everywhere, including the software industry to relax this. Even the High Court has given a direction that equal opportunity must be provided to all under Article 14 of the Constitution.'

Three years back in 2020, the government allowed women to work night shifts at restaurants, hotels, cafes, theatres and other such shops and establishments. According to the Bill, women can work between 7 pm and 6 am subject to a long list of safety measures employers are required to put in place. It shall be the duty of the employer or other responsible persons at the workplaces to prevent or deter the commission of acts of sexual harassment, states the bill.

How ironic it is that for the sake of a woman's safety, she has always been advised by her parents or close ones to not leave their homes after it gets dark or come back home before 7 pm atleast. And they did follow the advice for a very very long time. But was it enough to stop the crimes against women?

Some also believe that it is better for women to remain unemployed than to work night shifts. So, what does data reveal about the safety of women in India?

Well, a report by the Women's Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (WICCI) Council of Ethics, the Annual Review on 'The State of Sexual Harassment in India' found that 50 percent and 55 percent of respondents respectively stated that they experienced "physical contact or advances" or inappropriate touching, including pinching, pating, rubbing, or purposefully brushing up against another person" at least once at the workplace. Of the people who faced such incidents, 55.2 percent decided not to file a complaint.

Late-night shifts can be scary for women (even if we keep aside the gender biases) in a country where passing lewd comments and getting away with them is quite easy. While some do report it to authorities, others sweep it under the carpet in fear of getting victim shamed by society.

Even though stringent harassment laws are in place, women are still hesitant to work during night shifts because not always the employer ensures that their employees are protected during unsocial hours.

According to National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB) report, out of 15,556 cases, the women molested were between the age group of 18 and 30 years in 2013. It has been found that women working during the night are in no way safe; neither on roads nor in public transport that is provided to them at their respective workplaces. Even in workplaces, women always pose a threat of facing sexual harassment, mentioned a flagship program 'Safecity' of Red Dot Foundation Group.

There are certain industries where night shifts are a necessity such as emergency services, logistics and transportation, hospitality, care work, and railways. Despite all the challenges women are marching forward and opting for night shifts.

If you feel vulnerable and exposed while working during late-night shifts, here are a few tips that will keep you safe.

1. Carry Your Id Proofs Everywhere

Identity proof is always handy when you come across unforeseen situations. Be it an Aadhaar card, PAN card, company ID card, voter's ID, or driver's license, you must tuck them away safely in your purse or pockets. It will come in handy when police check your vehicles while they are on patrol duties at night, or in times of crisis, you can show your ID card and seek help from a fellow passerby.

2. Appear Confident When Threatened

When you stay calm and appear confident, attackers are less likely to target you or threaten you. It is essential that you keep your movements slow and measured. Know how to handle such situations through proper training. It will not only boost your confidence but will help you to prevent serious incidents.

3. Notify Others Of Your Whereabouts

While commuting to and from your workplace, ensure any one person knows about your whereabouts. This will ensure that someone remains informed if things go wrong.

4. Get Pepper Spray Or Use A Panic Alarm

Having a panic alarm in an establishment will come in handy in case of a lone worker and will alert other people in the organisation of the attack and get assistance as soon as possible. On the other hand, pepper sprays can save you from the attacker when there is no assistance or help around you.

5. Download Women Safety Apps

The Central Government of India has launched '112 India', an all-in-one women's security app that can be used to issue an SOS alert with only a single tap in any situation. Also, you can download apps like Safetipin, Sheros, bSafe, Smart 24x7, and more to notify, alert people and seek help when trapped in an unsafe situation or location.

6. Avail Of The Pickup-and-drop Facility

If you are doing night shifts in any organisation, they are required to provide you with a pickup-and-drop facility which will be GPS enabled. If your employer is not providing this basic perk, then contact the authorities immediately. It is not only yours but your company's responsibility also that you reach home or come to work safely. You be extra safe, take a picture of the vehicle number and driver, and send it to your family members before commuting.

7. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

Keep some emergency contact numbers handy in case you come across a situation where you feel trapped. 100 (police control room), 101 (Ambulance) and 1091/1090 (National Commission for Women) are some of the emergency numbers which must find a way to your speed dial as well. Through this, citizens can get directly in touch with the concerned authorities when they need immediate help or assistance.

8. Be Conscious Of Your Surroundings

You may feel unprotected during unsocial hours, so be aware of your surroundings if you are working alone. It is crucial that you understand what is happening around you, stay on alert and notify people of any changes. With a little effort, you can completely avoid a bad situation.