No male tailors, trainers for women in UP? New safety proposals underway

Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission has proposed several stringent measures aimed at enhancing women's safety in public and commercial settings across the state. Among the key recommendations: male tailors should no longer take measurements of women, and only female trainers should work with women in gyms, yoga, and fitness centres, as reported by TOI.

Proposed safety measures in public and commercial spaces
In its latest guidelines to improve women’s security, the Women’s Commission recommended a comprehensive approach in public and commercial areas, including appointing female security guards on school buses and ensuring only female staff handle women-specific clothing in stores. These guidelines were discussed in an October 28 meeting in Lucknow, where commission members brainstormed methods to enhance women’s safety.

Feasibility under review
Commission member Maneesha Ahlawat shared with TOI that the discussions are still in preliminary stages. "The feasibility of these proposals is yet to be decided," she said. Once finalised, the proposals will be presented to the government to draft policies for effective implementation at the ground level.

Districts begin preliminary implementation
In Shamli district, probation officer Hamid Hussain has already started implementing these guidelines. According to Hussain, establishments are now required to employ female trainers or teachers in women-specific gyms, drama centres, and yoga studios, while installing CCTV systems with DVR capabilities for added safety.

Hussain noted additional safety directives, including ensuring that school buses have a female security guard or teacher present. “Boutiques and clothing stores serving women must employ female tailors for taking measurements and have active CCTV monitoring in place,” he stated. Furthermore, coaching centres are required to have CCTV surveillance along with proper restroom facilities, and stores selling women’s clothing should employ female staff to assist customers.

Public response to the initiative
A social worker from Shamli Veena Agrawal praised the initiative, saying, “We welcome this effort by the Women’s Commission. These measures aim to strengthen safety and ensure a supportive environment for women in various public and commercial spaces across the state,” she told TOI.

Inputs from TOI