When Safety Fails: An Open Letter to Founders and CEOs

I write to you today with a heart weighed down by grief and a mind troubled by the stark realities we face. The recent, deeply tragic incident in Kolkata, where a young trainee doctor was savagely raped and murdered, has horrified us and laid bare a disturbing truth about the world we live in. This is a world where the most fundamental right—to feel safe in the spaces where we work, heal, and grow—is denied to too many women.

As a woman, I feel the pain and fear that incidents like this bring to the forefront. As a mother, I am haunted by the thought of what kind of future we are leaving for our daughters. As a daughter myself, I am reminded of the dreams and aspirations of all the women who have come before me, dreams that too often are shattered by the violence and indifference of a society that still struggles to value their safety. And as a leader, I am compelled to speak out, to raise awareness and to demand action, because silence in the face of such atrocities is complicity.

This is not merely the story of a single life cut short in a brutal act of violence; it is a glaring reflection of our collective failure—a failure to protect, to value, and to ensure that women are safe in their workplaces. It is a failure that reaches into every corner of our society, exposing the vulnerabilities and dangers that too many women face daily. And it is a failure that we must confront, with honesty, with urgency, and with a commitment to change.

A Series of Tragedies

The horrifying incident in Kolkata is not an isolated tragedy; it is part of a broader, deeply troubling pattern of violence against women in various workplaces— This August alone, we have witnessed a series of brutal acts that underscore the pervasive and persistent danger women face across different sectors, from factories to offices, to educational institutions. In Jharkhand, a nursery school student was raped by her school van driver—someone entrusted with the safety of children. In Uttar Pradesh, a 20-year-old nurse was raped by a doctor during her night shift at a hospital. Disturbingly, this crime was perpetrated with the complicity of other staff members. In Maharashtra, a young woman working in a factory was molested by her supervisor, a man who held power over her job security and work conditions. In Delhi, a corporate office environment was shattered when a woman employee was harassed and threatened by her male colleague.

The issue of workplace safety is about dismantling a pervasive atmosphere of fear that can significantly deter women from pursuing or sustaining careers in the formal sector. This fear is deeply rooted in real, horrific events that have occurred over decades, with the case of Aruna Shanbaug standing as one of the most tragic examples. In 1973, Aruna, a 25-year-old nurse at Mumbai’s prestigious King Edward Memorial Hospital, was brutally assaulted by a male sweeper. He choked her with a dog chain and raped her, leaving her for dead. The assault resulted in severe brain damage, paralysis, cortical blindness, and cervical cord injury. For the next 41 years, Aruna remained in a vegetative state, cared for by the hospital staff who refused to vacate her bed despite pressure from the Municipal Corporation. Her case eventually led to a landmark legal judgment permitting passive euthanasia in India, yet her ordeal remains a dark stain on society and a chilling reminder of the dangers women face at work.

A National Crisis

The Supreme Court’s recent decision to establish a national task force to improve workplace safety for healthcare workers is a critical and necessary step in addressing the pervasive issue of violence against women in their places of work. However, this action raises a fundamental and troubling question: Why do we always wait for tragedy to strike before we act? Each brutal incident, each life lost, is a painful reminder that our responses are too often reactive, driven by outrage and sorrow rather than a proactive commitment to prevention. We cannot afford to wait for another horrific event to galvanize us into action. This is not just a problem—it is a crisis, a national emergency that demands immediate and decisive intervention across all sectors of society.

A Grim History of Neglect

The issue of workplace safety for women is not new, nor is it confined to any one industry or profession. It is a longstanding problem that has been largely ignored, pushed aside until high-profile cases force it back into the spotlight. The statistics tell a grim and unsettling story.

• Rape Cases: In 2022 alone, India reported 31,516 cases of rape, marking a shocking 20% increase from the previous year. These are not just numbers; they represent thousands of women whose lives have been irreparably damaged by violence. Behind each statistic is a story of pain, fear, and often, a long, painful journey toward justice—if justice is ever served.
• Workplace Sexual Harassment: Between 2018 and 2022, over 400 cases of sexual harassment at the workplace were reported each year. These figures, while alarming, likely represent only a fraction of the actual incidents, as many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation, stigma, or a lack of faith in the justice system. These are stories of women who were betrayed by the very systems meant to protect them, forced to navigate hostile work environments while dealing with the trauma of harassment.

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Prevention Prohibition & Redressal Act 2013

A Culture of Forgetting

I recently watched a video that depicted India as a nation that forgives too easily—a place where the most horrific crimes are buried beneath the sands of time as soon as the headlines fade. This portrayal struck a chord with me, filling me with a deep sense of unease. How often do we, as a society, move on too quickly? How often do we allow the memories of these heinous acts to fade into the background, overshadowed by the next big story?

As a woman, a mother, and a leader, I cannot accept this. Each time we forget, we dishonor the victims who have suffered unimaginable pain. Each time we move on without meaningful change, we fail the countless women who live in fear, knowing that the same fate could befall them. These are not just some stories we hear in the news; they are the realities of our daughters, our sisters, our colleagues, and friends. And they deserve more from us.

We can't change the past. The tragedies, the pain, the lives lost—they are written in stone. But we can change what happens next. We can decide that enough is enough, and that the future we build will be different. As someone who lives at the intersection of technology and human experience, I know this to be true: technology is a promise. A promise that we can do better, that we can protect those who trust us with their safety, that we can build spaces where fear has no place. We don't need to wait for another shocking headline to take action. The tools are already in our hands, and it's time we use them.

A Step Toward Change & The Role of Technology in it

• Wearable Safety Devices: Imagine a bracelet, a pendant, or even a keychain—small, discreet, yet powerful. These devices are equipped with GPS tracking and an SOS button. In moments of danger, a single press sends an emergency alert to pre-set contacts, along with the wearer’s location. These alerts can also be sent directly to local authorities, ensuring help is on the way, even when speaking out isn’t an option.
• AI-Powered Surveillance Systems: Surveillance cameras are no longer passive observers. With AI, they become active participants in security. These systems record & analyze, all at once. They recognize patterns, detect unusual behavior, and identify unauthorized access in real-time. Imagine a camera that can spot a threat before it turns into a crisis, that can differentiate between a casual passerby and someone who’s up to no good. Alerts are sent to security personnel instantly, allowing for immediate intervention. It’s a watchful eye that never tires, a constant guardian ensuring that every corner of the workplace is safe.
• Safe Commuting Solutions: The journey to work shouldn’t be a source of anxiety. Apps designed for safe commuting offer real-time location sharing, route tracking, and emergency contact notifications. You can share your location with a trusted person who can monitor your journey, ensuring you arrive safely. Some platforms even offer safe ride options, connecting you with vetted drivers or transportation services that prioritize your security.
• Anonymous Reporting Platforms: Fear of retaliation or being disbelieved often keeps victims silent. Anonymous reporting platforms change that. These tools allow individuals to report harassment or unsafe conditions without revealing their identity. Reports can be submitted via secure apps or websites, ensuring privacy. The system then triggers a formal review process within the organization, allowing for swift and decisive action while protecting the identity of the whistleblower. It’s a system designed to empower victims, giving them a voice without the fear of consequences.
• Biometric Access Control: Not everyone should have access to every space. Biometric systems—using fingerprints, facial recognition, or even palm scans—ensure that only authorized personnel can enter specific areas. Knowing that the people around you have been vetted, that the spaces you enter are safe, and that your workplace is secure from intruders brings a level of comfort that is invaluable.
• Panic Button Apps A lifeline that fits in your pocket. Panic button apps are designed to be activated instantly, sending a distress signal to pre-set contacts and authorities, complete with your location and, if possible, audio or video evidence of the situation. These apps can be linked to wearables or integrate with workplace apps on your phone, providing a direct line to help when it’s needed most. It’s an immediate response tool, a way to cry for help that won’t go unheard, ensuring that in moments of danger, you are never truly alone.

A Call to Every Organization

But technology alone cannot solve this problem. It must be paired with a genuine commitment to creating safer workplaces. Here are steps every organization should take:

• Comprehensive Safety Protocols: Regularly update and enforce safety procedures. Ensure all employees are aware of their rights and resources.
• Safe Spaces for Women: Provide secure rest areas for women working long or irregular hours. This is a necessity, not a luxury.
• Zero Tolerance Policy: Implement strict consequences for any form of harassment or violence. This policy must be more than words—it must be a living, actionable commitment.