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Abstract

This article discusses the results of a study with an all-women police station and other police stations in Guwahati, Assam, India, considering their occupational stress and hazards related to womanhood issues. In this descriptive study, a sample of 30 women police was selected by purposive sampling and analyses were performed using responses to a questionnaire method and individual/group meetings. Well-being as well as levels of satisfaction leading to the commitment of the policewomen to their organization have been identified. A majority opined about experiencing occupational stress/hazards related to issues specific to womanhood. Ergonomic, on-the-job criteria, and appropriate design interventions, may address their stress and related concerns. Women’s hygiene specific issues in the workplace was a major concern. A few remedial design attempts have been proposed and some such improvements have been implemented by authorities to upgrade the women’s police station. In addition to the physical and mental well-being of existing policewomen enabling them to perform their duties effectively and efficiently, such sympathetic developments have created a positive niche to motivate more young women to enter the police force.

Author Biography

Shilpi Bora is pursuing a PhD at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam, India. She is a senior research fellow in the Department of Design and her specialization is Ergonomics. Her tentative research area is Ergonomic design intervention towards occupational well-being specific to addressing women’s issues relevant policing

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