Women and Public Safety in Tiruchirappalli: Mobility, Response, and
Community Participation

K. Karpagam; Dr. S. Suba

doi:10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i04.029

Title: Women and Public Safety in Tiruchirappalli: Mobility, Response, and Community Participation
Authors: K. Karpagam and Dr. S. Suba
Journal: International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research (IJSSER) ISSN: 2455-8834 Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Publication Date: April 2026 DOI: 10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i04.029
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K. Karpagam1 and Dr. S. Suba2 1. Ph.D. Research Scholar, Dept. of Women’s Studies, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli -620023 2. Professor, Dept. of Women’s Studies, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620023
MLA 8 Karpagam, K., and Dr. S. Suba. "Women and Public Safety in Tiruchirappalli: Mobility, Response, and Community Participation." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 11, no. 4, Apr. 2026, pp. 1772-1792, doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i04.029. Accessed Apr. 2026. APA 6 Karpagam, K., & Suba, D. (2026, April). Women and Public Safety in Tiruchirappalli: Mobility, Response, and Community Participation. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 11(4), 1772-1792. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i04.029 Chicago Karpagam, K., and Dr. S. Suba. "Women and Public Safety in Tiruchirappalli: Mobility, Response, and Community Participation." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 11, no. 4 (April 2026), 1772-1792. Accessed April, 2026. https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i04.029.
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ABSTRACT: Women's public safety in tier-II Indian cities remains under-researched compared to metropolitan areas. Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), a rapidly urbanizing city in Tamil Nadu, has witnessed growing concerns regarding gender-based harassment and mobility restrictions. This study aims to (1) enhance safe mobility and transit security, (2) strengthen rapid response and legal support systems, and (3) create public awareness and community participation for women's safety in Trichy. A mixed-method design was employed with 400 women (aged 18–60) surveyed using stratified random sampling across high-footfall zones. Thirty in-depth interviews and five focus group discussions were conducted with commuters, police personnel, and auto-rickshaw drivers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Women's safety in Trichy is compromised across all three dimensions. Infrastructure deficits, delayed response, low legal awareness, and weak community participation create a fragmented safety net. Integrated interventions improved lighting, rapid response mechanisms, and mandatory awareness programs are urgently needed.

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