The brutal murder of a young doctor within the sacred precincts of a medical institution has shocked the nation to its core. Grief-stricken and enraged, citizens from all corners of India have taken to the streets, demanding an end to this scourge.
As one protester declared, “This is not just about a single incident; it’s a cry against a system that has repeatedly failed us.” Another echoed the sentiment, “We need actions, not just policies. It’s time to dismantle the structures that perpetuate this violence.” Another echoed the sentiment, “We need action, not just policies. It’s time to dismantle the structures that perpetuate this violence.”
The impassioned words of the protesters reflect the widespread frustration that has boiled over in response to this horrific tragedy.
From the ghastly Nirbhaya case that ignited nationwide outrage to the countless unreported incidents, the spectre of gender-based violence has long haunted the country’s professional landscapes. Yet, the prevailing societal attitudes and institutional failures have allowed this scourge to persist, shattering the illusion of safety that women are meant to find in the workplace.
A cry for action
“Women’s safety in India is a fragile illusion that can be shattered at any time, in any place,” laments Nirupama Subramanian, co-founder of the leadership development organisation Growing Leadership of Women (GLOW). “Public places and public transport have long been considered unsafe for women, especially after dark. However, the recent Kolkata incident has starkly highlighted the fact that workplaces are also vulnerable to sexual violence.”
The medical profession, often characterised by high levels of stress and burnout is a particularly vulnerable domain. The long-term psychological toll of workplace violence, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, brings to light the profound impact on women’s well-being and productivity. These violations not only rob individuals of their dignity but also corrode the very fabric of a society that claims to cherish its healers.
Subramanian highlights the profound impact of the R G Kar Medical College incident, noting that “the brutal rape and murder has shaken the notion of workplace safety.” She expresses hope that this tragedy will “influence policymaking and public discourse the way the Bhanwari Devi case led to the Vishakha guidelines, which eventually led to the PoSH Act.” Yet, she cautions that meaningful change requires concerted action from “women’s rights organisations, the legislature, the police, and the civil society.”
The passing of the PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act 2013, while a crucial step, but its implementation has been marked by persistent challenges. “Many organisations are particular about implementing the act,” Subramanian acknowledges. “The reporting of PoSH cases during Board meetings also puts an onus on the leadership to treat these cases seriously.”
However, she stresses that the training and awareness programmes cannot be a one-off compliance exercise. “These should be done continuously on an ongoing basis. Educating all employees, especially people managers, needs to be done consistently.”
Beyond mere legal compliance, Subramanian advocates for proactive, culture-shifting measures that empower all employees to be agents of change. “Getting every employee to sign a pledge of Respect, Inclusion and Safety” and ensuring that “the PoSH notice, ICC member details, number for grievance cells and process for reporting sexual violence should be made known to everyone through posters, screensavers and boards in prominent places” are just a few of her recommendations.
Beyond policies
“Dr. Ranjana Kumari, Director of the Centre for Social Research in New Delhi, calls for a fundamental shift in how society and organisations view and handle workplace violence. In an interview with Al Jazeera, she argues, ‘We need to tackle the culture of impunity that lets perpetrators evade accountability. It’s not just about the law—it’s about changing how society perceives women. We all need to contribute to fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and equality.'”
The incident has inevitably brought the role of leadership into sharp focus. Subramanian calls for a “true change” that can only be achieved through strong leadership and role modelling. Leaders must set the tone by demonstrating a genuine commitment to creating a safe and inclusive workplace.
Creating workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and secure is no easy feat –as it warrants genuine commitment to organisational resilience. It demands a long-term vision where women can thrive free from fear.
The R G Kar hospital tragedy will be a reminder of collective failure. A reminder to dismantle the systemic structures that perpetuate violence. A reminder to build a society where women can pursue their dreams with courage. As Nirupama Subramanian aptly puts it, “Every employee, male or female, needs to take ownership for the safety and well-being of every other employee.”