Assocham asks cos to take steps to ensure women staff safety

In the wake of rape of a 27-year old woman executive here allegedly by a cab driver, industry chamber Assocham today asked corporates to take extra precaution when it comes to women staff working at odd hours, besides putting GPS system in vehicles to ensure safety.
It also asked organisations to give self defense training to the women staff and verification of cab drivers by police.
"Yet another incident in Delhi has shaken confidence of working women and their families not only in the national capital region but also in other cities," the chamber said in a statement.
It said that women who required to work late in sectors like BPO, travel and tourism, nursing homes and media feel more vulnerable.

"The latest incident involving a taxi driver committing the heinous act shows that women are vulnerable not only in the unsafe public transport but also in the high-tech radio taxis," it said.
"It is necessary to wire the major and vulnerable parts of the (NCR) region with CCTVs, GPS system which should be properly monitored and action taken. The fear of law must be instilled among those who are prone to commit heinous crime," it added.

It said immediate measures should be taken both by the government and private sector to enhance safety and security of women.
"Poor city infrastructure including absent street lights, unusable pavements and a lack of public toilets too contribute to women's insecurity.

"The data base of the drivers and transport system comprising buses, cabs, autos, are not well integrated. Many of the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee are gathering dust," it said.