National Conference Highlights Safety of Women at Workplace
The Ministry of Women and Child Development held a significant National Conference on the Safety of Women at the Workplace, known as SHe-Box, on February 14, 2026, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was graced by Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, alongside the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, and various Members of Parliament. More than 1,500 participants, including senior officials, representatives of international organizations, and industry leaders, attended the conference, emphasizing the importance of workplace safety for women across the country.
Building a Safer Workplace
The conference commenced with welcoming remarks from Shri Anil Malik, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. He praised the remarkable progress achieved under SHe-Box, highlighting that over 150,000 workplaces had registered, ensuring the establishment of a nationwide safety framework. He further pointed out that women’s participation in the labor force stands at 42%, with a significant portion working in the informal sector, underscoring the need for continuous efforts in safety and protection.
The event featured the screening of a thematic film titled “Safe Workplaces as Drivers of Viksit Bharat through Equality and Economic Participation of Women,” setting the stage for discussions on women’s safety.
Commitment to Safety
During her address, Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi launched various initiatives, including the SHe-Box logo and the PoSH Voluntary Compliance Checklist. She also announced the integration of SHe-Box with the Mission Shakti App and the Karmayogi Bharat PoSH Training Link. In a show of solidarity, she administered the National Workplace Safety Pledge, emphasizing the collective commitment to ensuring safe and dignified workplaces for women throughout India.
In her keynote speech, Smt. Devi stressed that women’s safety at work is not only a legal obligation but also a cornerstone of justice and equality in India. With significant improvements in female labor participation and the setup of over 60,000 active Internal Committees, she stated that India is progressing towards a more accountable system that favors women’s development. She referred to the historic Gender Budget allocation and the vision of a developed India by 2047 where women can thrive without fear.
Inspiring Change
Minister of State Smt. Savitri Thakur echoed these sentiments, asserting that workplace safety is a fundamental right. She pointed out various success stories, such as the increase in women taking on Mudra loans and the number of beneficiaries from the PM SVANidhi scheme. These figures reflect a growing empowerment ecosystem, although she emphasized the need for an environment where every woman feels secure and respected.
Shri Sudhanshu Trivedi, a Member of Parliament, reinforced the importance of women’s safety as a constitutional commitment to equality. Moreover, a nationwide PoSH training video was shared, and insights into the new Labour Codes were provided, showcasing their role in creating safe workplaces.
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