NAME – MAHI SONKAR

YEAR – IIND YEAR

COURSE – B.A.LLB (HONS.)

SESSION – 2023 – 2024

WOMEN’S SAFETY WHILE TRAVELLING IN

INDIA

INTRODUCTION :

India is the second most populated country in the world, home to over 5% of all people. The
Republic of India has 1210.19 million people living there as of the 2011 Census, with 586.47
million (48.5%) females and 623.72 million (51.5%) males. Between 1975 and 2018, the
population increased to 1.2 billion. India's population surpassed one billion people in 1998.
The Republic of India will be the most populous nation in the world by 2024. Republic of
India is ranked 94th in the world (in 2013) with an increase rate of 1.2%. In 2016 there were
944 females for every 1,000 men, while in 2011 there were 940 females for every 1,000
males in the sex quantitative relation (Choudhary et al,. 2018).
The Republic of India's second-largest state is Madhya Pradesh. The population of Madhya
Pradesh is more than 72 million. In terms of population, it is the Republic of India's fifth-
largest state. Madhya Pradesh has 17.27 crore people living there, according to data from the
2011 Census. There are 37,612,306 males and 35,014,503 females in the population,
respectively. According to the 2011 population census, M.P. has a quantitative sex ratio of
931 females for every 1,000 men (Choudhary et al,. 2018).
India's economy is the youngest in the world.Over the past several decades, there has been a
significant transformation in the Indian education system, resulting in a more educated and
self-sufficient workforce for women. As more women engage in outdoor activities, there is a
greater demand for women's safety (Choudhary et al,. 2018).
Men and women are burdened differently by the performance of urban transport systems,
with women often bearing the brunt of inadequate public transit. For instance, when the
public transit system is unreliable or unaffordable, women may decline better career chances
farther from home in preference of lower-paid local options (ADB 2013) (Intrepid Traveller).
In addition to meeting women's basic needs, including getting to markets and schools,
affordable, comfortable, and accessible transportation may assist advance women's strategic
empowerment by enabling their access to social and economic possibilities (Intrepid
Traveller).
TRAVEL SAFETY ADVICE FOR WOMEN IN INDIA:

Some female visitors, particularly those travelling alone, are reevaluating their itinerary after
a local Delhi lady was fatally raped and a Swiss tourist was gangly raped. New law has been
passed as a result of the demonstrations and discussions about violence against women in
India prompted by these well reported instances in Delhi (karafin, 2013).
As a female traveller in India, you are unlikely to encounter serious crime; instead, you may
encounter sexual harassment, which is more common in the major cities and tourist
destinations in the north of the nation. Men "brushing against" or touching women, making
crude remarks, and voyeurism are all prevalent (karafin, 2013).

WHAT IS THE LATEST RECOMMENDATION FOR INDIAN WOMEN

TOURISTS?

Incidents of crimes against women, especially foreigners, are on the rise in India, but they are
still uncommon (karafin, 2013). Numerous foreign governments offer guidance about visiting
India. Canada's residents are advised to simply refrain from going alone, especially at night,
on public transit, or in isolated or dark regions; Australia and the UK encourage women to
'take cautious' in similar situations (karafin, 2013). The US is the only country that cautions
women against travelling alone anywhere in India, citing reports of verbal and physical abuse
by males from abroad, particularly those of African heritage (karafin, 2013).
In fact, sexual harassment and molestation are far more common than rape and unfortunately
are encountered by many travellers; this is especially true in northern tourist towns and bigger
cities. These may be anything from crude remarks to voyeurism to guys 'brushing against'
women in the street to overt groping. The most violent events usually occur around festivals
or in crowded places like railroads and marketplaces. (The Holi celebration is infamous for
this, since coloured powder—which may temporarily blind—is thrown about.) (karafin,
2013).

WOMEN’S SAFETY WHILE TRAVELLING IN INDIA : SURVEY :

According to a HolidayIQ poll, "roughly 94% of young women in the age group of 18-24 in
India feel that travelling in India is safe." (Pti, 2015).
According to the report, 92% of women in the 25–34 age group felt secure, compared to 79%
of women in the 35–44 age group, 87% of women in the 45–54 age group, and 47% of
women in the 55–64 age group (Pti, 2015). 20,000 women nationwide participated in the poll,
which was performed by HolidayIQ (Pti, 2015).
"This year represents a turning point for women who travel alone. Although we have seen a
slight increase in this market over the last four years, 2015 will be the first time that there will
be a significant uptick of up to 10%. This leap will drastically change India's tourist industry,
according to CEO and founder of HolidayIQ Hari Nair (Pti, 2015).According to him, ladies
travelling alone will stimulate the domestic travel market in the same manner that couples
travelling together did ten years ago with the idea of weekend getaways and jungle lodges
(Pti, 2015).In the meanwhile, the travel and tourism sector has to be aware that women spend
15% more than men do when they plan a vacation. The increase of the solitary female
traveller can be attributed to their desire for independence and the exposure that comes with
not viewing travel as an extension of their family," he continued (Pti, 2015).About 71 per
cent women feel comfortable travelling in Delhi, the report showed. Beaches and hill stations
are usually regarded safe places by women, with 60 per cent choosing beach and hill station
trips

MAJORS FOR WOMEN’S SAFETY WHILE TRAVELLING IN INDIA:

It's always a good idea to arrange transport through your hotel concierge rather than calling
one from the street when you're ready to go touring the area after checking out. Make sure the
taxi has a functional metre before boarding; if not, decide on a fee in advance to save yourself
the hassle of haggling with the driver when you get to your destination. Some cities provide
unique transportation options driven by women if you don't feel comfortable riding in a male-
driven rickshaw or cab (Intrepid Traveller). They are listed as follows:

 Delhi: Meru Eve Cabs (44224422), Sakha (99991 93004), GCabs (39423942)
 Mumbai: Priyadarshini Taxi Services (43333999), Viira Cab (6120 6120)
 Chennai: Go for Pink (64581111)
 Trivandrum/Kochi: Shetaxi (859 0000 543)

If you must use a bus or train for public transit, be on the lookout for pickpockets as they
frequently prey on tourists and there aren't many security measures in place. This implies that
you should always be aware of your surroundings and keep your possessions visible.
Additionally, you should try to avoid using public transit alone yourself, particularly at night.
If at all feasible, take the women's carriage on the metros in Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai
(Intrepid Traveller).
INDIA'S TOP TRAVEL SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
FEMALE TRAVELLERS:

 Since India is a country that is infatuated with mobile phones, I think getting a local
SIM card and carrying a phone are vital for both convenience and safety. You need it
to speak with drivers. Everything is done by text messaging, including appointments
for manicures, taxis, and train tickets. When you arrive in India, you may either
purchase a cheap phone or obtain a SIM card for your existing phone (karafin, 2013).
 Select an upper bunk for your nighttime train ride to have more privacy and to avoid
potential gropers. (Many tourists claim that paying extra for train tickets, which have
fewer people per car, results in greater luck.) (karafin, 2013).
 Eye contact and little talk with males you don't know are often misconstrued (karafin,
2013).
 When available, board trains in the women's carriages and attempt to reserve a seat
close to the front of long-distance buses. When you can, take a seat close to other
ladies (karafin, 2013).
 At night, take advantage of taxis with call services instead than hailing one on the
street, particularly if you're alone (karafin, 2013).
 Having a travel companion can help you avoid approaches, particularly if that person
is a man. (Whether or whether you have a spouse, bringing him up regularly may also
be helpful.) (karafin, 2013).
 Put on some sunglasses; no matter what, everyone will be staring at you (karafin,
2013).

CONCLUSION:

It is totally feasible for a woman to feel comfortable travelling alone in India, but you do need
to be aware of your surroundings and avoid putting herself in potentially harmful
circumstances (Intrepid Traveller). The simplest method to do this is to explore during the
day and steer clear of activities that require you to return to your lodging after dark. Saying
no out loud and firmly is okay if someone approaches you while you're out and begins asking
you questions or makes you feel uncomfortable in any other manner (Intrepid Traveller).
You should also feel confident and purposeful as you walk away. You should only shop in
crowded, well-lit, and well-liked locations. You should never enter the back rooms or
storerooms of retail establishments where you are not allowed. This also applies to clothing
try-ons (Intrepid Traveller). Although it can be socially acceptable to dress whatever you
choose back home, you should respect Indian culture by dressing modestly, covering your
shoulders and legs, and choosing looser-fitting clothing. To be courteous, it's also advised
that you swim in shorts and wear a t-shirt over your swimsuit.Above all, never do something
you wouldn't do at home. Sure, be open to new experiences, but always remember the culture
of the place you're visiting and use prudence wherever you go (Intrepid Traveller). For
instance, you don't want to come across as overly kind while interacting with local males at
tourist attractions or hotel employees (this includes engaging in "conversational" touching
during conversations), since this might be misconstrued and result in awkward circumstances
(Intrepid Traveller).

REFFERENCE:

Choudhary, M., Dube, S. and Verma, R. (2018) 'WOMEN SAFETY IN PUBLIC

TRANSPORT,' ResearchGate

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338764425_WOMEN_SAFETY_IN_PUBL

IC_TRANSPORT.

Intrepid Travel (no date) Is it safe to visit India? | Intrepid Travel.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/india/is-it-safe-for-women-to-travel-in-india.

Karafin, A. (2021) Safety tips for women travellers in India - Lonely Planet.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/safety-tips-for-women-travellers-in-india.

Pti (2015b) 'Over 90 per cent Indian women feel safe travelling in India: Survey,' The

Economic Times, 13 March.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/over-90-per-cent-indian-

women-feel-safe-travelling-in-india-survey/articleshow/46543490.cms.

Intrepid Travel (no date) Is it safe to visit India? | Intrepid Travel.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/india/is-it-safe-for-women-to-travel-in-india.

Karafin, A. (2021) Safety tips for women travellers in India - Lonely Planet.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/safety-tips-for-women-travellers-in-india.

Intrepid Travel (no date) Is it safe to visit India? | Intrepid Travel.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/india/is-it-safe-for-women-to-travel-in-india.