Early office pack-up for girls in city of fear

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Young professionals love the city for its great work opportunites and youth culture. But the recent gangrape incident of the 23-year-old physiotherapist has instilled fear in working women.

A recent survey by Assocham attests that working women are scared of staying till late at the workplace with nearly 82 per cent of the women respondents saying they have started leaving work early.
“Travelling to office everyday is like going for war, not sure we will get back safe or not. It is becoming difficult to trust anyone. The brutality took place on the same roads we walk through daily,” says young professional Isha Mathur, 24.
“My parents keep calling again and again to know how and when am I returning home. I feel scared when walking on the road and while waiting at the bus-stand. I try to avoid places which are isolated or deserted. Basically, these kind of incidents force us to give up our freedom and social life, and now professional life too,” says Aditi Arora, an event management professional.
For many, it’s more than just the worry of parents and their insistance on returning home early. Sneha Rajput, an IT professional working at a Noida-based MNC, has faced several incidents of eve-teasing on her way back from work after late shifts. “Lewd remarks, nudging, pushing and staring are common forms of harrasment which I have experienced even at busy places. I have always ignored them for my professional independence. But this incident has completely shaken me. There are some beasts roaming about in the city at night,” says the 23-year-old, who has already requested for permanent day shift at work. “If they don’t approve my request, I am ready to quit my job and look for one with morning shift,” she says.
About 89 per cent of those who participated in the survey in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Faridabad said they have begun insisting on leaving offices on time, immediately after duty hours, following the atmosphere of insecurity. The anxiety is more among women who travel by buses, chartered buses, three-wheelers and Metro after sunset.
Adds PR professional Rachna Singh, “My profession demands working till late hours, which hasn’t been a problem till now. But now, after this brutal incident, I wrap up work on time and if I can’t do it, I prefer to work from home.”
“I doubt every man now. At office, I have stopped being too friendly with my male collegues,” says Aditi.