In 2021, an online survey was conducted for the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India. Around 56 percent of women who use public transport for their commute have reported being sexually harassed. This data covers all metropolitan areas.
Long gone are the days when women can be restricted from commuting for education and work. Not traveling to the office or giving up an excellent opportunity to prevent sexual harassment is not a solution.
Ensuring the safety of women employees is of the utmost importance for any organization, especially if they are commuting to and from work after dark. It is essential to protect their employees against possible harm and foster a secure and inclusive environment.
If women’s safety suffers, so will the physical, mental, and overall well-being of females. Employers need to take serious steps to do everything in their power to improve and secure evening commutes.
Can employee transport solutions help companies to take care of their female employees?
Here are four ways in which female commutes in the evening can be made safer:
1. Real-time tracking and monitoring of female transportation
Real-time tracking and monitoring systems are powerful tools for enhancing women’s safety. They are useful during different parts of a woman’s day, especially during commuting.
These systems utilize advanced technology to provide instant updates on the location and movement of individuals, objects, or vehicles. It contributes to a heightened sense of security and peace of mind.
In the context of women’s safety, especially during evening commutes, monitoring their travel plays a crucial role in many ways. Firstly, these systems trigger an immediate response to emergencies or safety concerns.
By tracking the location, authorities or security personnel can swiftly intervene and assist when needed. It reduces response time and the risk of potential threats.
Real-time tracking means a team constantly monitors the driver and other employees in the vehicle. This can discourage potential harassers or criminals.
Knowing that they are being watched is a deterrent. It makes them aware that their actions can be quickly detected and reported.
Moreover, real-time tracking and monitoring can provide evidence regarding women’s safety. With accurate location data and recorded information, law enforcement agencies can better deal with cases.
It can help Investigate and resolve women’s safety-related cases more efficiently. This helps hold perpetrators accountable and ensures justice for victims.
2. The use of emergency assistance features
Equipping employee transport vehicles with emergency assistance features enhances women’s safety. The Society of Automotive Engineers conducted a survey. It revealed that vehicles with panic buttons and GPS-enabled distress signals can significantly reduce response times during critical situations.
Direct communication channels ensure swift assistance. The presence of security personnel can also empower women employees and instill a sense of confidence and safety in them.
Companies and employee transport solutions have created various ways to ensure women’s safety during evening commutes. These methods allow alerts to be raised if and when needed.
In some cases, physical SOS devices are attached to every vehicle. During an emergency, the female passenger can press the SOS button. Immediately.
A signal will be sent to a security team that can help her out. Some employee transport solutions also provide sos buttons on their mobile applications and helpline numbers.
Few employee transport solutions provide marshalls if the first pickup and last drop are female employees, particularly in the evenings and at night. The best thing that organizations can do would be to find a transport solution that provides all of the above.
3. Provide dedicated transportation for females
Women face safety concerns when commuting. Dedicated female-only transportation provides a vital solution to this issue. It has become an essential tool for women to travel safely.
This transport mainly provides women with safety, security, and comfort. It is thought to foster confidence because it gives them a sense of safety, reducing the risk of harassment or awkward situations.
Companies and organizations value women’s needs and issues by providing transportation services that cater only to them.
This is the case because men have a special need to be addressed, hence their respect for the distinct challenges that women go through. This service will allow women to travel safely without any fears lingering in their heads.
Female-only transportation contributes to changing societal norms. It also challenges gender-based stereotypes and addresses issues of gender equality, helping to create a more equal society.
This sends a powerful message that women’s safety is a priority. Steps are being taken to ensure inclusive and secure environments.
4. Implementing thorough driver training and background checks
Driver training programs and thorough background checks profoundly impact women’s safety during their commutes.
Companies can prioritize the certifications and conduct of their drivers to create a secure environment. This will give female passengers confidence and peace of mind.
Driver training programs focus on imparting skills, knowledge, and attitudes that promote respectful and safe conduct toward female passengers.
These programs educate drivers on important issues, such as gender sensitivity, harassment prevention, and appropriate behavior, ensuring they have the skills to provide a safe and comfortable experience for female passengers.
Thorough background checks are crucial to verifying the reliability and trustworthiness of drivers. This includes screening for criminal records, driving history, and references.
Companies can identify any red flags or potential risks by conducting checks, which reduces the chances of employing individuals with a history of misconduct.
Firstly, it creates a culture of professionalism and respect within the transportation service. Women passengers can trust that their drivers have undergone proper training and scrutiny, reducing concerns about harassment or inappropriate behavior.
Secondly, these measures act as deterrents to potential perpetrators. Drivers have been through careful screening and training. This makes it less likely that people with bad intentions will try to harass or mistreat female passengers.
It is 2024, and women’s safety is crucial.
With various global advancements made every day, we need to be relentless about improving women’s safety.
Companies can use the strategies mentioned above to create a safe and secure commute environment for women employees. This will ensure a comfortable journey for their employees. All these efforts are focused on improving the employee experience. They reflect the workplace culture, which often focuses on safety and well-being.
Want to make a real difference?
MoveInSync is one such employee transport solution, with women’s safety and security at the core of all its features. That is also a big reason why MoveInSync has been an industry leader for a long time.
Several Fortune 500 companies trust MoveInSync to ensure employee safety during their commutes. What about you?
Know more today and take a step in the right direction.
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