India Pushes for Gender-Friendly Public Spaces: Feeding Rooms, Crèches and More

The intent is to promote the full and meaningful participation of women in the workforce by addressing their health, hygiene, and childcare needs.

In a significant move towards promoting gender inclusivity and ensuring the well-being of women and children across the country, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has initiated a comprehensive drive to create gender-friendly public spaces in collaboration with various ministries, departments, and state governments. This initiative aims to provide essential facilities such as feeding rooms, changing rooms, creche services, sanitary hygiene provisions, and dedicated rest areas in workplaces and public locations.

Nationwide Push for Feeding and Changing Rooms

The MWCD has been actively coordinating with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Railway Board, and all States and Union Territories (UTs), urging them to establish dedicated feeding and changing rooms for mothers and children. The goal is to make public spaces more accommodating and supportive of women’s health and childcare needs.

Responding to this call, the Ministry of Civil Aviation reported that 312 feeding/changing rooms have been established at airports—164 under the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and 148 in non-AAI managed airports. These facilities ensure that traveling mothers have access to private and hygienic spaces to care for their infants.

Meanwhile, MoRTH has shared updates from the Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU). The report highlights the availability of feeding rooms in key bus stations:

• 26 stations in Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC)

• 2 stations in Coimbatore under Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC)

• 50 stations under Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC)

Additionally, States and UTs including Delhi, Goa, Chandigarh, and Meghalaya have reported actions taken to implement similar facilities across major transit and public hubs.

Advisory on Creating Gender-Friendly Workspaces

In a related effort, the Secretary of MWCD has issued an advisory to all Ministries, Departments, and Chief Secretaries of State Governments and UT Administrations emphasizing the need to build gender-sensitive infrastructure within and outside office premises. The intent is to promote the full and meaningful participation of women in the workforce by addressing their health, hygiene, and childcare needs.

The advisory outlines a range of recommended measures:

• Sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators in women’s washrooms to promote menstrual hygiene.

• Allocation of space for feeding rooms, yoga areas, and restrooms in offices.

• Mandatory creche facilities in all public buildings employing 50 or more staff, supporting working mothers with safe daycare options.

‘Palna’ Scheme Under Mission Shakti: A Support System for Working Mothers

Complementing the above initiatives, MWCD continues to implement the ‘Palna’ component under Mission Shakti, which is focused on child protection and daycare services. As part of the scheme, the ministry has rolled out Anganwadi cum Crèches (AWCCs) that offer free childcare services for working mothers.

So far, 11,395 AWCCs across 34 States and UTs have been approved under Palna based on proposals received from state administrations. These centers play a crucial role in reducing the burden on working women, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, by offering a safe and nurturing environment for children during work hours.

Driving Inclusive Growth

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to creating supportive environments for women, especially working mothers. She underlined the importance of infrastructure that not only empowers women to participate in the workforce but also ensures the holistic development and protection of children.

With these ongoing efforts, the government is not only addressing immediate needs but also taking long-term steps towards inclusive urban planning, women-friendly public infrastructure, and equity in economic participation. These initiatives mark a vital stride in India’s journey toward a more gender-sensitive and supportive society.