Reimagining safety: Building peace through gender-inclusive urban policies

Gender-based violence (GBV) is not just a social issue; it is a fundamental human rights challenge and an alarming global crisis that is a structural impediment to peace and development.

- ELSA MARIE D'SILVA

In India alone, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported over 4.45 lakh cases of crimes against women in 2022. These numbers reflect the alarming persistence of patriarchal mindsets, economic disparities, and systemic gaps in legal awareness and justice. Addressing GBV effectively will require a nuanced approach that tackles the root causes of violence, dismantles harmful societal norms, and fosters inclusive, participatory solutions.

Peacebuilding, in its most effective form, is about fostering environments where all individuals can thrive free from fear. It involves addressing the root causes of conflict—such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of education—while building trust, promoting inclusivity, and empowering communities to challenge harmful societal norms. The prevention of GBV is inextricably linked to this vision. Tackling such violence requires a holistic approach that goes beyond enforcement to engage stakeholders across sectors, driving cultural shifts and systemic change.

LOCAL INTERVENTIONS AS CATALYSTS FOR CHANGE The connection between peacebuilding and GBV is best illustrated through targeted, data-driven interventions that prioritize community engagement and trust-building. Recent initiatives in Indian cities like Faridabad and Chennai highlight the potential for transformative change when local communities collaborate with authorities to address these challenges.

In Faridabad, the Red Dot Foundation worked with local law enforcement to collect and analyze data on incidents of sexual harassment and violence using its crowdmapping platform, Safecity. The findings identified hotspots of harassment, which enabled targeted interventions. Police officers underwent gender-sensitivity training to understand the lived realities of women in public spaces, fostering empathy and building trust.