Dear Member,

Concerns for safety of women at workplaces, public places and even on transit between the two, has been growing since people have started returning to workplaces. Corporates in India ranked "Threats to Women Safety" at 5th place out of the 12 risk parameters as per FICCI's India Risk Survey 2022 report, which was at the 12th place in 2021. It has become clear that companies must take measures to ensure the safety of their women employees and customers.

A study conducted in 2020 in Bengaluru showed that only 2% of women commuters make journeys after 9 pm. Barriers to mobility can thus thwart women's long-term aspirations, eroding their financial independence and agency. Similarly, another study conducted in 2017 in Delhi showed that women were willing to travel for 27 minutes more each day to take a route that was perceived to be safer. one of the factors adversely affecting female workforce participation is the unavailability of safe and affordable modes of transportation. It is crucial to bridge this gap because absence of reliable transportation options reduces women's career prospects, reinforces poverty, and further exacerbates inequality. According to a recent ITF study, women are more likely than men to use public transportation globally because they lack access to private vehicles and moreover they are even more susceptible to assault in public areas. The 'safety' and 'security' of transportation are the main determinants of women's mobility behaviors and choices.

Safety, security & wellbeing of employees, especially women, from the threats being posed through physical & digital medium has been one of the top priorities of CSOs. In fact, a whole new concept of 'Duty of Care' is evolving which encompasses the responsibility of employers to provide a safe working environment, adequate security measures, and appropriate support for employees' physical and mental health, even in a hybrid work and work-from-home environment. Failure to fulfil this duty can result in various consequences including legal liabilities, reputational damage, and employee dissatisfaction.

FLO is organising a Special Session on Impact of Mobility & Women Safety on Women's Labor Force Participation at FICCI's Chief Security Officer (CSO)Conclave on October 20, 2023, at FICCI, New Delhi from 1215 hrs - 1330 hrs The sessionwould help understanding how safe mode of transportation can boost confidence among women to join workforce and what kind of innovative approaches, products and solutions can help corporates ensuring women safety at and beyond office premises.

We are pleased to invite you to join us for this programme.

Agenda: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OInpkr5UDjQ2_Umjgc2SLFMQ6uwfGHFP/view?usp=sharing​

Look forward to your kind participation.

Best Regards,

Sudha Shivkumar

President, FLO