Southern Cities Shine In Second Edition Of Top Cities For Women In India Index

In a remarkable acknowledgment of cities contributing to women's empowerment, the Avtar group, a pioneer in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) solutions in India, unveiled the second edition of the 'Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI)' index. 

The comprehensive study, incorporating data from governmental sources, surveys, and focus group discussions, highlights the inclusive nature of cities, particularly in the Southern region.

Southern Cities Lead the Charge

Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad emerged as the Top 5 Cities for Women in India, showcasing the Southern region's dominance. In a noteworthy debut, the national capital, Delhi, secured the 8th position, solidifying its place in the Top 10. The rankings reflect the cities' commitment to creating environments where women can thrive personally and professionally.

Category-wise Breakdown

The TCWI index categorised cities based on their population, with Category 1 encompassing cities with over a million residents and Category 2 including those with less than a million. Chennai retained its number 1 position in Category 1, followed by Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. In Category 2, Tiruchirappalli led the list, joined by Vellore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and others.

City Inclusion Score (CIS)

The rankings were determined by the City Inclusion Score (CIS), a comprehensive metric derived from Social Inclusion Score (SIS), Industrial Inclusion Score (IIS), and Citizen Experience Score (CES). While SIS evaluates the external social environment, IIS gauges organisational inclusivity. CES, derived from surveys and discussions, provides insights into the citizen experience, contributing to the overall ranking.

Southern States Dominate

Southern states took centre stage, with Tamil Nadu cities claiming dominance in both population categories. Chennai and Coimbatore from Tamil Nadu, along with Mumbai and Pune from Maharashtra, were the only states with two cities each in the Top 10 of Category 1. In Category 2, 8 out of 10 cities from the Southern region secured their positions.

Dr. Saundarya Rajesh's Perspective

Speaking at the announcement, Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President of Avtar group, emphasised the importance of vibrant employment opportunities, quality of life, and safety for women. She reiterated the index's role as a call to action, urging the creation of equitable pathways for increased women's workforce participation in alignment with the national vision.

Key Findings

The report revealed that 32 per cent of women surveyed felt unsafe, and 21 per cent were unsure about their safety after 8 pm in their cities. Gurugram claimed the top spot in industrial inclusion in Category 2. Educational and healthcare facilities received positive ratings from women across Indian cities, though 31 per cent felt judged for their choice of attire.

The Avtar group's Top Cities for Women in India Index stands as a testament to the progress made in creating inclusive spaces for women, with Southern cities leading the way and Delhi making strides towards gender inclusivity. The data-driven insights provide a roadmap for continued efforts in fostering environments where women can thrive, lead, and contribute their fullest potential.