
Women students, young professionals and activists have described safety risks, gender stereotypes and discrimination in education and workplaces during an interactive session featured in a special report. They discussed harassment on public…
Women students, young professionals and activists have described safety risks, gender stereotypes and discrimination in education and workplaces during an interactive session featured in a special report. They discussed harassment on public transport in Pune, risks from late-night travel and restrictions that can limit rural women’s access to higher education.

Cyber security student Pragya spoke about online harassment, family restrictions on movement and the lack of government scholarships for technical courses. Political science student Aamna cited economic dependence and transport safety concerns in Bhiwandi and Pune. A tribal activist said a 10-day hunger strike was under way in Manjari, Pune, seeking longer hostel stays and better facilities in tribal residential schools. Singer Neha Singh Rathore discussed online trolling and legal challenges faced by vocal women. The participants called for equal treatment and changes in institutions, workplaces and public spaces.
India’s legal framework includes constitutional equality guarantees, the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013, and protections against online offences under the Information Technology Act. In practice, safety also depends on functioning complaints committees, accessible transport, hostels and prompt police action. Scholarship rules and hostel regulations are set by the relevant education authorities, while workplace complaints go through internal committees or local committees. The clearest signals will be the outcome of the Manjari hunger strike and whether the institutions named address the specific demands raised.
Source: indiatoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.