Gender Safety Concerns in Chennai: Alarming Findings Reveal High Incidence of Sexual Harassment

A groundbreaking study conducted by the Chennai Corporations’ Gender and Policy Lab, as part of the Chennai City Partnership Project between the Tamil Nadu government and the World Bank, sheds light on the disconcerting reality of gender safety in the city. Despite 53% of women rating Chennai as safe, the study, encompassing 3,000 participants, exposed that over 20% of women, including transpersons, have experienced sexual harassment in public spaces and on public transport.

Shockingly, about 43% of men witnessed such harassment, and 18% chose not to intervene, even when the victim was known to them. The report, presented at the ‘Building a gender inclusive Chennai’ meeting, also highlighted the underreporting of incidents due to a lack of awareness about reporting mechanisms and the pervasive fear of drawing attention.

With only 45% of cases witnessing police intervention, the findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to enhance gender safety and awareness in Chennai.