Despite steps, uneasy calm amongst Ggn women professionals

After the December 16 brutal gang-rape, a string of measures were introduced by the multinational companies situated in Gurugram for the security of its women professionals.

Four years on, even as security measures are in place, there is a still an uneasy comfort felt by women professionals in the city. A sizeable number of world-renowned MNC’S have their main offices situated in Gurugram.  These offices employ thousands of women professionals who come to the city daily for their professional duties Most of the women professionals belong not only from Delhi-NCR but also from outside states. 

This only adds to the difficulties faced by the women professionals working in the city. A greater challenge are been faced by women who work during the night shifts.   Even as the MNCs provide 24 hours security, cab facilities and even accommodation to some of their women professionals, most of the women highlight that they still have to be very careful about their safety in the city. 

A major problem raised by the women are the proximity of wine shops around the office areas which only adds to the risk. Tanvi Sachdeva, who works in one such MNC on the Golf Course road said: “ We prevent going to the eateries (dhabas) with our friends during our night shifts. There is a wine shop nearby and drunken men pass lewd comments at us and our friends.” Tanvi further added: “Delhi may get the limelight but things are not better in Gurugram either. After dark, you really have to be careful.”

Vindhya Krishnan  who hails from Hyderabad and works as an external consultant to a company said: “I think the least the authorities can do is to ensure safety for women by ensuring better lighting in the city. Even in posh places like Golf Course Road and Galleria area, you will find that there are cases of snatchings and molestations that occur on a daily basis.” While the Gurugram Police maintain that for ensuring security to women they have a dedicated helpline number and do regular patrolling in the areas where the offices are located, most of the women professionals mentioned that their security is only been ensured by their offices and not by the authorities.