Indians protest workplace violence after doctor's murder

Indian protests erupt over women’s safety, workplace violence

What you probably already know: As India seeks a spot on the world stage, the country is wrestling with the reality that it is one of the most dangerous places in the world for women. This grim fact came into the spotlight in recent weeks after a trainee doctor was raped and murdered in a Kolkata hospital while she was resting after her shift. This comes 12 years after the horrifying gang rape and murder of a physiotherapy student on a bus in New Delhi that sent the country reeling. Since the Kolkata doctor was killed on Aug. 9, thousands of doctors have gone on strike, demanding safer work environments, and many others have taken to the streets to protest the violence against women.

Why? India ranks 128th out of 177 countries in the Women in Peace and Security Index, a measure of inclusion, justice and security for women across the globe, outranking only countries that severely restrict women’s rights such as Iran, Afghanistan and Congo. While India does have laws protecting women’s rights, and more women than ever have entered the workforce in the country, rape and domestic violence remain frustratingly common, and conviction rates for perpetrators are low.

What it means: Hospital administrators and police in Kolkata were called into question by the Supreme Court of India on the grounds that they should have added more protective measures to prevent violence against hospital employees. Reports of violence against women is rising, up 87% in the last decade, though some of that could be due to increased reporting. Companies that do business in India are trying creative ways to protect their women employee. Starbucks has at least 15 women-only stores in the country as a way to prevent workplace harassment and increase safety.

What happens now? India must deal with the root cause of the issue: Centuries of repression of women and girls, and lax enforcement of legal protections for victims of sexual harassment and assault. Only about 20% of women of working age in India participate in the workforce, and the wage gap is considerable, with women making 34% less than their male counterparts. If going into work puts your life at risk, women are far less likely to seek these opportunities.