A developing country needs both the genders working shoulder to shoulder, without any gender bias and inequality but often the orthodox, stubborn patriarchal thinking and narrow mindset of the people hinder the path to development. India is a country where religion is kept over rational thinking, the country which worships various goddesses but when it comes to the question of gender equality, it is stubborn to change. Gender bias in India can be seen in various social evils prevailing since the times of kings and queens. The land of Rani Laxmi Bai, Mother Teresa, Kalpana Chawla, and Indira Gandhi is also a land of female foeticide and infanticide, dowry and rape. In various fields like politics, management, engineering, medical, journalism, and many more professional areas, gender bias is prevalent everywhere. Though the scenario is changing gradually, a huge hurdle is still to overcome. To crack this wall, an initiative of all women-crew railway station at Gandhinagar in Jaipur is a wonderful proof to show the capability of women. Yes, you read it right!
One such example is set by the Gandhi Nagar railway station in Rajasthan. It is the first all women-crew railway station at Gandhinagar, Rajasthan and the 2nd in the country. This step is taken by the Rajasthan government, it has set an example for the orthodox, narrow mindset of gender-biased people in the country. By showing women are no less than men, Gandhi Nagar has employed 28-40 women employees starting from the post of Ticket checkers, RPF, operation staff, reservation counter, and booking supervisors.
All women-crew railway station at Gandhi Nagar is situated in Jaipur. Jaipur is known as the Pink city, it is a junction for the routes of the major trains. More than 50 trains pass through Gandhi Nagar, 25 of them halt at the station. Hence, this railway station welcomes more than 7000 passengers every day. Gandhi Nagar was the best place to start this phenomenal all women-crew railway station because it is the main educational hub in the city. There are many coaching institutions, educational organizations, and colleges which make it the nerve center for students. And what can be a better audience other than the students to spread the idea of gender equality in work and other fields! Gandhi Nagar railway station is also near to the residential areas which make it much more safer environment for women to work in late night shifts.
There are 40 women railway officers to work 8-8 hours in 3 shifts. All the facilities are installed here at this women-crew railway station to make sure the comfort zone of the employees is maintained. CCTV cameras, sanitary napkin vending machines were installed before the station came to service. The Rajasthan Government has taken full care of the problems faced by women so that their bodily problems won’t be a hindrance to their duties.
DRM (Divisional Railway Manager) Saumya Mathur and ADRM (Additional Divisional Railway Manager) R. P. Meena laid the foundation for the whole project. Neelam Jatav is the first women Station Superintendent of this all women-crew railway station. She was also the first woman Station Master under the Jaipur railway stations in 2015. All the workers and officials have been given training for their duties. The Gandhi Nagar Railway station is a stepping stone to the eradication of the gender bias inequality in India.
Women in the modern society work hand in hand and by matching the strides of men, walk shoulder to shoulder in every field and profession. Not only men but women have contributed equally to the development of the country. And now the all women-crew railway station of Gandhi Nagar will also be a significant hub for the promotion of women’s contribution to the development of the country.
