Coworking spaces, in general, bring together individual workers and allow them to have a place to work alongside other like-minded people. So don’t worry about- how coworking safe for women?
A place where people are not differentiated on the gender basis. Or on any basis, for that matter. A place where everyone is equally independent to work. But, Is that really so? Is there really a place, particularly in India, where women are considered equally independent and self-sufficient?
Forget cowork! Ever heard of a gender-biased workplace? I doubt!
But we’ve all heard and some of you might also have experienced the different work protocols for men and women. In 2017, when feminists stand for equality of sexes, they stand for equality in workplace ethics as well. Equality of salaries, initiatives and also respect. Respect and dignity, that every human being should have for another, regardless of their gender.
Then, why regularly do we come across the concept of all women workplaces? What difference would an all women cowork make? Is it to ensure equality or do women want to have an upper hand?
Think of a mother who works from home, think of the struggle she must go through to complete every single task. Yes, she can hire a nanny, but she wouldn’t be able to work in silence. And she definitely wouldn’t be at peace.
Cowork comes for rescue!
Think of an entrepreneur who doesn’t want every other person walking to her door.
Cowork at a rescue, again! They provide you a virtual office.
In these and many other such ways, coworking motivates women to work.
It is true that women have gained very much because of coworking in past couple years. And not just women but everyone.
Why, then, do we talk about safety particularly for women? Aren’t women safe? If not, why not?
Coworking may be a new concept in India, but it is not unknown. Coworking spaces have a professional environment. Everything is perfectly managed by the administration and there isn’t any threat to any gender in particular. Then, why do women still feel insecure? Why do all women cowork appear as a solution? why is there a need to segregate genders like this?
Women have been working in all professional areas for very long and it is true that they have been harassed at workplaces ever since.
It is true that coworking spaces help female entrepreneurs run their businesses easily. It has made easy for females to think of a future in small business. Cowork spaces have any way become an important trend for the startup generation.
But It is also true that in a country like India, crime rates against women are devastatingly high. There is no place which is safe for women. If they have been victimized at other workplaces then, who guarantees that it would not happen in a cowork?
There are no safe-havens where women can truly embrace their identity and thrive on that.
A survey conducted in January 2017 states that 38% of women have faced sexual harassment at workplaces. And out of this 38 %, 68.9% women refrained from filing a complaint due to fear, embarrassment, stigma attached to it and lack of confidence.
Such incidents of harassment leave a lifelong impact on the victim’s personality.
If only there was All women cowork. Women could have been more independent and secure.
These facilities will definitely help women in more than one way. Nowadays, when All-male cowork areas are popping in the world then, what harm would All-women cowork do? Feminazi or Feminist only has a difference of opinion, and so does this issue.
One viewpoint says If it takes an all women cowork to make them feel secure and happy then, why not do it?
But easy said than done.
Other viewpoint says, what is the point in this gender segregation?
Perhaps there are real benefits to it. An all-female environment could contribute dramatically to inspiring healthy competition that pushes women to reach their potential higher rate. Women all around the globe have agreed that they feel invincible when surrounded by women.
In 2017, When women are independent and are already fighting for equality. The right of a safe working environment is also something they thrive for.
Of course, emphasis on such gender segregation comes with its downsides. Working in a mixed environment have its benefits.
But if women do not feel secure working in a co-head area then, how will they benefit from the same?
For those women who have already suffered because of the mixed workplace, or those who are afraid of it, a separate working place is a blessing in disguise.
We talk about women empowerment. And when it comes to empowering women, we all turn our heads against them and call them feminazis.
Feminism is not a favor to women. It is equal rights to every human being.
In the end, it boils down to respect, and that should apply to every sort of workplace regardless of gender- all female, all male or mixed.