Faculty Seminar | Status of Women in the Karnataka State Police

This week’s faculty seminar will be presented by Devyani Srivastava and Laksha on their research titled ” “Status of Women in the Karnataka State Police”.

Abstract

This report presents findings from an assessment conducted by the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) on the status and role of policewomen in Karnataka. The state government is working to increase women’s representation in its police from existing 8 percent to 25 percent. Given this, the study aims to provide an evidence base for institutional reform needed to ensure a supportive environment for policewomen. It does this in three ways: one, by highlighting patterns and shortfalls in women’s deployment across ranks, districts, units and roles; two, identifying factors (social, cultural and institutional) that are either impeding women’s performance or driving their growth within the institution; and three, measuring gaps in views among officers, mainly female, on the importance of women in policing. It is hoped the findings will inform and augment the department’s ongoing efforts and planning to make sure women not just join the police service but are able to participate meaningfully at all levels. The study also seeks to contribute to the growing research on gender and policing emanating from the global south and further diversify police reform discourse taking place both within the country and globally.