India’s Economic Growth is Thriving, But Are Women Safe

India’s economy is on the rise, but there’s a problem that’s holding the country back—safety for women. While India’s GDP grew by 7% in 2024, a shocking 6.7% rise in crimes against women tells a different story. In fact, a woman is raped every 16 minutes in India. So, what does this mean for India’s future? Is the country focusing too much on economic growth and too little on ensuring that women can live safely and contribute to society?

India’s Growing Economy, But Women’s Safety is Falling Behind

India’s impressive 7% GDP growth in 2024 made it the world’s fifth-largest economy, but this growth is overshadowed by a rise in crimes against women. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), crimes against women have increased by 6.7% this year alone. Worse yet, a woman in India is raped every 16 minutes. These figures aren’t just statistics; they reflect the lived reality of millions of women.

While economic growth is vital for India’s future, it’s hard to ignore the human cost. When women feel unsafe in their own homes, workplaces, and streets, they’re less able to participate fully in the economy. And that’s a problem India can’t afford to ignore.

How Gender-Based Violence Is Hurting the Economy

Here’s where it gets concerning: gender-based violence isn’t just a social issue; it’s a massive drain on India’s economy. According to the World Bank, gender-based violence costs India more than ₹1,00,000 crore annually in lost productivity. Think about that for a moment—this is money that could be used for better healthcare, education, and infrastructure, but instead, it’s lost because women are being held back by fear, violence, and harassment.

Moreover, 19% of working women in India feel safe commuting to work (ILO, 2024). This means the majority of women are limited in their ability to fully participate in the workforce. When women are forced to avoid night shifts, travel, or certain jobs because of safety concerns, India loses out on a huge portion of its potential workforce.

And here’s something that’s clear: regions that prioritize gender safety have 30% higher female workforce participation, according to McKinsey. More women working means more economic growth. It’s simple: when women are safe, they can contribute fully to the economy.

Cities: Economic Powerhouses but Safety Hotspots

Urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are the heart of India’s economy. They drive much of the nation’s growth. But they are also places where crimes against women are alarmingly high.

In Delhi, there were over 1,970 reported rape cases in 2024 alone. Mumbai saw a 9% rise in crimes against women this year, while Bengaluru recorded a 12% increase in workplace harassment. These cities, which are crucial for India’s economic growth, are also becoming places where women’s safety is a constant concern.

Women in these cities face harassment on the streets, in workplaces, and even at home. When women don’t feel safe, they are less likely to take up opportunities, limiting both their personal potential and India’s overall growth.

The Role of Education in Reducing Violence

Here’s some good news: education can help reduce violence against women. Studies show that states with higher female literacy rates see 40% fewer crimes against women (NCRB). When women are educated, they’re more likely to report violence, defend their rights, and have the financial independence to escape unsafe situations.

However, the reality is that only 12% of schools in India include gender sensitization programs (UNICEF). These programs are crucial in teaching children to respect each other and understand the importance of equality. If more schools introduced gender equality into their curriculum, it could help reduce the level of violence in the long run.

Male Child Abuse: A Growing Concern

While the focus is often on crimes against women, it’s important to remember that abuse also affects male children. In India, 52% of boys experience some form of abuse before the age of 18, according to the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Abuse doesn’t just harm girls—it affects all children, and this is something we need to address across the board.

By protecting both girls and boys from abuse, we can ensure a healthier, more productive generation in the future. Addressing child abuse is not just a social responsibility—it’s an economic one.

India’s Spending on Safety: The Gap We Need to Close

India’s investment in public safety is far behind global standards. Currently, India spends just 1.28% of its GDP on public safety, whereas the global average is around 3%. This gap in spending means that public spaces are unsafe, and many women feel like they have no place to turn when they’re in trouble.

For instance, 60% of public spaces in India still lack proper lighting, making it dangerous for women to walk alone at night. Worse, only 1 in 5 police stations in India has a women’s help desk. Without the proper infrastructure, women feel unsupported when they experience violence. These gaps in safety infrastructure need to be addressed if India is to create an environment where women can thrive.

What Can Be Done?

To unlock India’s full potential, the country needs to invest in the safety of its women. Here are a few things that can help:

• Increase Investment in Safety: India should increase its public safety spending to 2.5% of GDP. Studies show that this could reduce gender-based crimes by 40% (UNDP).
• Faster Legal Processes: Make the legal process for gender-based violence faster and more efficient. Women shouldn’t have to wait years for justice.
• More Gender Sensitization: Introduce gender sensitization programs in schools and workplaces to change deep-rooted biases.
• Protect Male Children: Strengthen systems to protect male children from abuse and create awareness about this issue.

Conclusion: Safety Equals Growth

India’s economy is growing, but its growth cannot be sustainable if women are unsafe. Unsafe environments hold back women from reaching their full potential and, in turn, stunt India’s overall growth. By prioritizing the safety of women, India can unlock a whole new level of productivity and inclusivity. A safer India is a stronger India, and it’s time to invest in women’s safety as a key part of the nation’s economic growth.