Gender and Policy Lab Chennai: Pioneering a gender-inclusive future

In a groundbreaking move, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has established the Gender and Policy Lab. It is a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. The initiative aims to build a genuinely gender-inclusive city. Since its inception in April 2022, the Gender and Policy Lab Chennai has been at the forefront of addressing women’s concerns. The Lab does so by ensuring their voices are heard in key decision-making processes.

This innovative project is rooted in the belief that creating gender equality in public spaces is not merely a policy goal. It is a necessity for the safety and empowerment of all women. Through programs like the Chennai City Partnership and the Nirbhaya Programme, which the World Bank supports, this Lab stands as a beacon of hope. The app proves that meaningful gender inclusion is achievable when we actively commit to change.

With a vision of fostering gender equality and inclusivity, the Gender and Policy Lab Chennai has implemented multiple measures to make the city safer and more accessible for women. These initiatives highlight the growing understanding that sustainable urban development must prioritise the needs of women. The app ensures women can navigate public spaces with confidence and dignity.

Gender and Policy Lab Chennai: Building a safer Chennai

So, how effective has Chennai’s Gender Lab been for its citizens? One of the first steps taken was a safety audit in partnership with Safetipin, a Delhi-based NGO. This audit, starting in Semmencherry, looked into street lighting, footpaths, public transport access, and how different genders use public spaces. When they found poor lighting in certain areas, GCC’s zonal engineers quickly addressed the issue, ensuring the bus stand and toilets were better lit.

During the inauguration of the Gender Lab, Rs 69 crore was allocated to ensure 100% street light coverage across Chennai. There was an additional Rs 33 crore dedicated to making mobile toilets accessible for women. The GCC and the Gender Lab did not stop there. In 2022, they held a night cycling drive to promote women’s safety and ran a campaign against violence towards women as part of the 16-day ‘Orange the World Campaign.’

Another initiative is the gender equality and awareness course in Chennai’s corporation schools. Students from Classes 6 to 8 form gender committees that meet every two weeks. They discuss topics like gender stereotypes, discrimination, and violence. They then turn these discussions into creative school projects through skits, songs, debates, and more. The aim is to bring change into the classroom.

The Gender Lab campaign shows change is possible when we unite

About six months after the Gender and Policy Lab launched, they conducted a study to understand how women perceive safety in Chennai. Around 12% to 22% of the 2,400 women surveyed reported experiencing harassment in public spaces and on public transport. However, among the women who experienced harassment, 62% reported that no bystander intervened. When someone did step in, it was typically either the police or an acquaintance. In response, the Lab launched the campaign “Thappunu Therinja Pattunu Kelu” (Question Immediately When You Know It’s Wrong).

The campaign video opens with a woman waiting at a bus stop, looking exhausted after a long day at work. As she waits, two men start making comments about her, and one approaches, clearly making her uncomfortable. Just then, a trans woman steps in and stands firmly beside her, offering support. Shortly after, a man with a child also moves forward to stand next to the woman. Faced with this unexpected show of solidarity, the harasser hesitates and feels intimidated.

The campaign highlights that anyone can help those who face harassment, no matter their gender or identity. It encourages people to take action instead of just standing by. A city becomes safer when everyone gets involved in creating a supportive atmosphere for women rather than being silent bystanders. By promoting active participation, the campaign reminds us that we all have a role in making public spaces safer for everyone.

Gender and Policy Lab Chennai: Listening to women, taking real action

The Gender Lab has made it a point to listen to women’s concerns and take real action, making it one of its strongest features. Through various studies, surveys, and safety audits, the Lab actively listens to women’s feedback. It matters because real change starts with listening to the people affected. By actively gathering women’s concerns through surveys and safety audits, the Gender Lab ensures its initiatives are grounded in lived experiences, not assumptions.

For example, the Gender Lab conducted a study in Chennai to check how safe women feel in public spaces and transport. They surveyed 3,000 people, including 1,402 women, 565 men, and 100 trans people, to get a clear picture of the situation. One big issue raised by women is the lack of public toilets. Unless you’re at a fancy mall or restaurant, finding a clean facility is a struggle.

Addressing the issues

When asked about addressing these issues, Lab consultants pointed out that the GCC is addressing the cleanliness and accessibility of public toilets. New projects are being rolled out, and the Lab will conduct periodic studies to monitor toilet usage across the city.

Beyond infrastructure, women also raised concerns about their hesitancy to approach police stations. Many women don’t feel confident walking into a station, and even when they do, it is not always welcoming.

The Lab has teamed up with various departments, including the Greater Chennai Police (GCP), to improve accessibility to police stations. They have already started working on response times and are planning more initiatives. The consultants noted that fixing this issue may require broader judicial reform, and the Lab regularly offers policy advice when consulted.

The final thoughts on Gender and Policy Lab Chennai

The Gender and Policy Lab Chennai stands as an inspiring example of how gender inclusivity can reshape a city’s landscape, making it safer and more accommodating for women. By actively listening to women’s concerns and transforming those insights into actionable policies, the Lab has shown that gender equality requires more than just words—it demands continuous effort, commitment, and tangible change. From infrastructure improvements to public safety campaigns, the Lab has demonstrated that inclusivity is achievable when we unite for a common purpose.

At Changeincontent.com, we advocate for similar initiatives that foster gender-inclusive workplaces and public spaces. The work of the Gender and Policy Lab Chennai reminds us of the critical role organisations and governments play in creating environments where women and other marginalised groups feel safe and valued. This effort is not only about improving infrastructure but about changing the way society views and treats women across all sectors. 

As we continue to push for meaningful DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies, let this serve as a powerful reminder. Change begins when we listen, act, and remain committed to building a genuinely inclusive society.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.