Every morning, I wake up and say a silent prayer of thanks to God for the safety of myself, my loved ones and the children in my care. In today’s world, safety concerns have become a significant part of our daily lives. Whether we are at home, on the streets, or in our workplaces—be it a corporate office, a hospital, an industry, or a school—safety remains a top priority. Women, though educated and independent, often find themselves questioning, "Are we truly safe?"
As a teacher, I am fortunate to work in an environment where I feel safe and happy. Teaching is often regarded as one of the best professions for women. Schools, in particular, tend to have a higher percentage of female staff compared to males. This demographic reality makes the safety of female employees as well as of children a critical concern for any school management. At my school, where I have dedicated over 16 years of my professional life, safety is not just a policy—it’s a culture. I am proud to share some of the healthy practices that are followed at my workplace to ensure the safety and well-being of all female staff members and children:
Robust Security Measures: Our school premises are equipped with round-the-clock surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras that are strategically installed throughout the campus. Every nook and corner of the campus is strictly monitored including the areas that are most accessed by the children inside or outside school campus.
Strict Security Checks and ID Cards: No outsiders or trespassers are allowed to enter the school premises without undergoing a gate security check. The wearing of school identity cards is compulsory for all employees, children and visitors at all times.
Compulsory Police Verification: All staff members must undergo compulsory police verification to confirm their identities and ensure that no criminal record exists against them. This process further strengthens the school’s safety standards not only for the employees but also for parents who entrust their wards’ safety to the school.
Safe Transportation Facilities: Our school buses are equipped with GPS tracking systems to ensure the safety of the staff and students availing the bus services. Additionally, a female attendant is present in all buses from the start of the pick-up to the end of the drop-off.
Strict Anti-Harassment Policies: The school management enforces zero tolerance to any form of harassment. The strict anti- harassment policies are in place to maintain a healthy school culture where staff and children feel secure. Regular sessions are held to raise awareness about these policies. Further, the school authority takes immediate action to resolve such issues to ensure the self-respect and welfare of the staff members. There is a comprehensive grievance redressal mechanism to address the concerns of not only the staff but also of students related to safety. These safe spaces facilitated by trained counsellors allow staff and students to express themselves without fear of judgement.
Strict No to Bullying: In addition to these measures, our school has implemented regular anti-bullying drives and an anonymous reporting system to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Anti-bullying classroom boxes have been introduced, allowing students to discreetly report any incidents of bullying. These systems are designed to provide a secure and supportive environment, encouraging students to speak up without fear ensuring that their concerns are addressed promptly.
POSH Act Awareness Sessions: POSH Act Awareness Sessions: In compliance to the POSH Act, our school holds regular training sessions on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. These sessions, led by legal professionals, educate staff about the Act, its origins, and the types of harassment that fall under its provisions. The school not only raises awareness but also underscores its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for female staff members.
POCSO Act Awareness Sessions: Our school holds regular training sessions on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). These sessions educate both staff and students on the importance of understanding their rights, recognizing inappropriate behaviour, and taking action. The school’s commitment to these policies ensures that children are provided a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for learning. Our school has also established a committee dedicated to child protection, including the local Child Protection Officer (CPO).
Wellness and Support Programs: The school recognizes the importance of the mental and emotional well-being of its staff and students and therefore it arranges for regular wellness programs and counselling sessions. For children, there are structured counselling sessions to help them manage emotional stress or any safety-related concerns and also sessions on mental health, yoga, and meditation are held to promote self-care and self-love. Our female staff members have unrestricted access to designated support groups where they can discuss work-related or personal safety concerns. By providing such an open environment, the school fosters a sense of security and belonging.
Good Working Conditions: The school management has made conscious efforts to create safe and healthy working conditions. This includes adequate lighting in specific areas like corridors, play zones, classrooms, basement, stationery and store rooms for the free movement of staff and students. Besides this, the designated restrooms for female staff, provisions for sanitary napkins, and the installation of incinerators for safe disposal are a few more additions when it comes to catering to good work conditions. Health and hygiene standards are emphasised, with regular sanitation of common areas, availability of the school’s medical room providing first aid facilities, and health check-ups contributing to overall children and staff well-being.
Teaching and promoting self-defence: Self-defence for women and children are the need of the hour and they are most vulnerable to crimes. Beyond physical safety, the school emphasises the importance of self-defence awareness and for this; workshops on personal safety and self-defence techniques by professionals are conducted for them. We and our children are taught basic self-defence methods using everyday items we carry in our bags, such as spectacles, pens, pencils, mobile phones, perfumes, and car keys. It’s a fantastic way to equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills to protect and fight against any forceful act.
Safe Digital Environment: Human reliance on technology has pushed the increase in cyber-harassment crimes targeting especially women and children. To handle this, the school ensures a safe digital environment through secure internet usage policies, monitored online interactions, and digital safety training for staff and students. Workshops on cyber safety and responsible online behaviour are conducted regularly. The local experts in the field of technology and cyber-crime officers are invited to conduct sessions on digital safety.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: The school maintains strong relationships with local law enforcement and emergency services, such as police patrols and partnerships with nearby hospitals. This collaboration ensures swift assistance in case of any external threat or emergency thus ensuring both staff and children are protected.
In conclusion, in the world of fear and uncertainties around us, it is comforting to know that our school prioritises the safety and wellbeing of our staff and children. As educators, we are not just responsible for imparting knowledge but also for setting an example of what a safe and supportive environment should look like. I am proud to be part of an institution that values the safety of its staff and students, ensuring that every day we step into school; we do so with confidence and peace of mind, reassuring our families of our safety and doing justice to our job. We are getting stronger every day!
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