In a recent study conducted by the diversity consultancy firm Avtar Group, Chennai emerges as the safest city for working women among cities with a population exceeding a million. The Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI) report showcases Chennai’s efforts in creating a conducive environment for women’s employment, with Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad following suit.
The study introduced the City Inclusion Score (CIS), a composite of three pillars: Social Inclusion Score (SIS), Industrial Inclusion Score (IIS), and Citizen Experience Score (CES). This measure aimed to evaluate the inclusivity and conduciveness of cities towards working women.
The survey covered 113 cities, categorizing them based on population. In the million-plus category, other than Chennai, cities such as Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad secured positions among the top. In the category of cities with less than a million population, Tiruchirappalli claimed the top spot, followed by Vellore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Shimla.
Southern states notably performed well, with eight out of the top 10 cities with less than a million populations hailing from the South. Delhi, debuting in the top 10, secured the eighth spot, showcasing improvement despite slipping eight spots from the previous year.
Tamil Nadu stands out with seven cities on both top 10 lists. Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, founder and president of Avtar Group, attributes this success to enabling and inclusive initiatives by the government, including gender-segregated budgeting, emphasis on safety, and ample employment opportunities.
Kerala takes the lead in the state-wise average, demonstrating a favorable environment for women. The emotional landscape mapping of women from Tamil Nadu cities revealed a positive sentiment of 41% and only 19% negative sentiment about their experiences in their respective cities.
The TCWI report provides valuable insights into cities fostering women’s employment and inclusivity. As cities strive for progress, such studies contribute to the ongoing dialogue on creating safer and more empowering workplaces for women.
