Chennai: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the efforts of an urban local body to promote gender mainstreaming and make the city a safer place for women has borne fruit.
Tamil Nadu’s capital has emerged as the country’s first gender-inclusive city, thanks to Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Gender & Policy Lab.
Gender & Policy Lab was set up last April to improve women’s opportunities in Chennai by enhancing safety and gender equality in public spaces, reported India Today.
New services have been introduced in city’s infrastructure to pave the way for gender equality.
The initiative is part of Chennai City Partnership and Nirbhaya Programme, under World Bank Assistance.
An apex committee, comprising senior officials of multiple government departments — including Greater Chennai Police – is the backbone of the gender-inclusive drive.
#GenderandPolicyLab conducted 2 days of training for 140 GenderClub teachers.The training conducted by expert facilitators across 3 locations focused on equipping #TheChennaiSchool teachers with knowledge and tools to train the gender club student members to run club activities. pic.twitter.com/GY9r3NIeiE
— Greater Chennai Corporation (@chennaicorp) January 29, 2023
“The committee meets once a month and discusses the studies and suggestions made by the Gender Lab & Policy team. These recommendations are then incorporated into the infrastructure design, including road safety, lighting, parks, bridges and so on,” Chennai Corporation Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi told IndiaToday.in,
Identifying gaps in respect to gender inclusivity and women’s safety, aspects like adequate street lighting, natural surveillance, footpaths, gendered usage of space and availability of public transport within a 5-to-10-minute walk have been addressed.
The initiative has yielded positive results, but those driving it recognise the need to do more.
As per a recent study by diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) firm Avtar Group, Chennai is the top city for women in India.
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