Voices from the Ground: Women Speak on Safety and Solutions in Gurugram

Introduction: A City That Moves Fast, but Not Always Safely

Gurugram has become a symbol of speed—of business, infrastructure, and lifestyle. But for thousands of women navigating its streets, buses, parks, and offices, the pace comes with a price: uncertainty. Despite modern buildings and smart roads, the question lingers in the minds of many—"Will I reach home safe tonight?"

According to data from the Haryana Police, Gurugram registered over 850 crimes against women in 2023, including stalking, harassment, assault, and cyber abuse. But that’s just the tip. The unreported incidents—catcalling, groping, uncomfortable stares, unsafe commute hours—paint a bigger picture.

This blog gives voice to the lived realities of women in Gurugram, and explores the collaborative solutions that can make the city safer—from technology to street design to corporate and citizen responsibility.

What Women Are Saying: Real Voices from Gurugram

“I work in Sector 44. After 8 PM, even cab drivers hesitate to go through the back lanes.”— Neha, 29, marketing executive

“I carry pepper spray. Not because it’s extreme, but because it’s necessary.”— Aarti, 22, student at a private university

“My parents installed location tracking on my phone. I’m 35.”— Ritika, 35, senior architect

From MG Road to HUDA City Centre, from corporate corridors to local markets, women share similar concerns:

• Poor lighting on inner roads

• No reliable last-mile transport after 9 PM

• Lack of visible police presence

• Inadequate CCTV coverage

• No emergency helpdesks at metro stations or malls

Why Safety Needs More Than Policing

Gurugram Police has taken steps—installing CCTV cameras, introducing all-women patrol squads, and launching the Shakti Project. Yet, infrastructure and awareness gaps remain.

Safety is not only about catching the criminal. It’s about creating an environment where crime feels risky and reporting feels easy.

Challenges:

• 47% of women surveyed by a local NGO said they never reported harassment due to fear of shame or slow response.

• 3 out of 5 women reported altering their route or dress to feel safe.

• Less than 20% of public areas have accessible safety buttons, helplines, or signage.

Building Safety: Solutions Must Be Ground-Up

1. Design Safer Streets

• Ensure all streets and walkways are well-lit, especially near parks, metro exits, and office zones.

• Install mirrors and signage near blind turns, enclosed parking spaces, and public toilets.

2. Reliable Last-Mile Options

• Promote safe e-rickshaw pooling zones outside metro stations.

• Partner with women-driven cab startups through CSR.

3. Workplace and Corporate Responsibility

• Corporates in Gurugram can:

  • Run self-defense sessions via HR or CSR

  • Install panic buttons in cabs and office corridors

  • Create walk-home-with-colleagues policies for late shifts

4. Community Safety Volunteers

• RWAs can enroll citizen volunteers, both men and women, as night-hour safety watchers.

• Organize monthly Women Safety Circle events in parks, with support from local police.

5. Real-Time Digital Platforms

• Expand usage of GBTG's women safety tracker, allowing users to pin unsafe spots anonymously.

• Partner with Google Maps to integrate “last reviewed safe by women” features for local shops and ATMs.

Empowering Through Awareness

Education is key:

• Add safety education in school/college curricula

• Encourage boys and men to join safety conversations—not just women

• Promote anonymous digital reporting tools to boost confidence

Corporates and NGOs can fund:

• Awareness murals

• Street plays

• Campus safety labs

The Role of CSR in Building a Safer Gurugram

Under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, safety, gender equality, and public health qualify for CSR funding. That means:

• Companies can adopt metro zones, RWA clusters, or market hubs to upgrade safety infrastructure

• They can co-fund safe space audits, crowdsource mapping of poorly lit zones, or train marshals

• ESG-conscious brands gain recognition as urban safety partners

Safety by Design, Not by Chance

For Gurugram to truly evolve as a global city, safety cannot be reactive. It must be built into how we plan, build, fund, and live.

Women shouldn’t have to carry fear as a habit.

Voices from the ground are clear. Solutions are available. All that’s needed now is collective will—of RWAs, governments, brands, startups, schools, and the citizens themselves.

Let’s make safety a right—not a privilege. Let’s make Gurugram safe—not just smart.