Women Safety Mission Shakti is a major step by the Central Government to improve safety and dignity for women across India. Through strong laws and support systems, the government aims to create a safe environment both at workplaces and in society.

Legal Protection for Women at Workplace

One of the key laws supporting women’s safety is the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. This law protects women from harassment at work and ensures proper systems for complaint and action. It applies to all women, whether they work in organised or unorganised sectors, and regardless of age or job role.

Key Features of PoSH Act

Under this law, employers must provide a safe and secure workplace. Companies with more than ten employees must form an Internal Committee to handle complaints. For smaller workplaces or complaints against employers, Local Committees are set up at the district level. The government also monitors the implementation and keeps records of reported cases and actions taken.

Women Safety Mission Shakti and Support Services

Under Women Safety Mission Shakti, the government follows a victim-focused approach to support women. One Stop Centres, started in 2015, offer many services like medical help, legal support, temporary shelter, and counselling. At present, 926 centres are working and have helped more than 13 lakh women.

Women Help Desks have also been set up in over 15,000 police stations. These desks provide friendly and gender-sensitive support to women who need help.

Helplines and Digital Support

Emergency helplines play an important role in women’s safety. Women Helpline-181 and ERSS-112 provide quick help in crisis situations. These services have handled crores of calls and supported millions of women.

The Mission Shakti Portal, launched in January 2025, connects different services like rescue, protection, and rehabilitation in one place. Another platform, SHe-Box Portal, allows women to file and track workplace harassment complaints easily.

Awareness and Institutional Support

Organisations like the National Commission for Women and state bodies regularly run awareness campaigns. These include workshops and media programmes to inform people about women’s rights and safety laws.

Employers are also required to conduct training sessions and awareness programmes for employees and committee members. These steps help create safer workplaces and promote respect and equality.