The devastating rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata has cast a harsh light on the urgent need for workplace safety. This tragedy has sparked nationwide protests and heightened fears among female employees, especially those working night shifts. It starkly underscores the persistent vulnerabilities women face in their workplaces and the pressing necessity for more robust safety measures and systemic reforms.
AON’s 2024 Voice of Women Study India report reveals that 37% of women have faced insensitive behaviour at work. And, 6%—over 1,400 women—reported experiencing sexual harassment at least once, but less than half of these cases were officially reported to their employers.
In response to this alarming trend, VPS Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi, Kerala, has introduced mandatory martial arts training for its female employees to enhance workplace safety. An initial investment of ₹50 lakh has been allocated to roll out this initiative across the state.
The initiative aims to extend beyond the hospital, offering martial arts training to women across the state. In collaboration with local bodies and with government support, the project seeks to train around 50,000 women in its first six months.
The hospital’s initiative is designed to boost both physical and mental strength in its employees. Trained individuals will also extend this martial arts training to women in schools, corporate offices, and other community settings.
A bold move towards safety
Industry leaders view the initiative as a positive and forward-thinking step. Bobby Thakur, Founder and Executive Chairman of Counsel India, remarks, “While educating men to respect women is crucial, we are not there yet. Until we reach that point, it’s essential to equip women with self-defence skills. Martial arts training offers a proactive measure in this direction.”
Thakur envisions this initiative sparking a broader movement, encouraging other organisations to adopt similar measures for empowering women. Kapil Gupta, CHRO of Sterling Hospitals, views it as a significant step towards fostering a safer work environment. “Every organisation should consider implementing such initiatives to prioritise the safety of their female employees,” he says.
Implementation hurdles
While the initiative by the Kochi hospital is praised, some practical challenges are noted. A trainee doctor, who prefers to remain anonymous, points out that implementing self-defence training for overworked medical professionals may be difficult. “After long shifts, many of us are too exhausted to participate in additional training,” she says. “Enhancing security measures within hospitals might be a more immediate solution. Incorporating self-defence training into medical college curricula could be beneficial for students before they start hospital duties.”
Kapil Gupta acknowledges that such initiatives can significantly enhance safety for female employees by building their confidence and self-defence skills. “However, integrating these programs into the schedules of already overworked medical professionals poses a challenge,” he notes. “To address this, organisations should consider flexible training options, such as online modules or evening classes, to better fit their demanding schedules.”
HR championing self-defence initiatives
Thakur argues that HR will remain pivotal in addressing not just physical safety, but also mental health and overall well-being. “HR’s role extends beyond physical protection to include emotional resilience and support,” he says.
Kapil adds that HR is key to advancing and maintaining self-defence programs. “HR can drive these initiatives by securing resources, making training accessible, and evaluating its impact to ensure effectiveness,” he explains.
Kapil envisions a future where safety and wellness programs are more personalized and adaptive. With advancements in technology, like wearable devices and mobile apps, companies could monitor employee safety in real time and offer immediate help. There will also be a stronger focus on mental health and well-being, with programmes designed to tackle employees’ unique challenges and stressors.
As organisations continue to prioritise employee safety, integrating self-defence training into HR strategies could be a key step. By equipping employees with the skills and confidence to protect themselves, companies can foster a safer and more supportive work environment.