"Safety First: Evaluating Policy Awareness Among Female Students and Staff At University Level"

This study examines the awareness of safety and security policies among University level female students and staff at various constituent units of case study institution. Despite the existence of policies such as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, HER's Policy (Health, Empowerment, Respect, and Safety), Nirbhaya Pathak, and Vishakha Guidelines, many women remain unaware of their rights and reporting mechanisms. The research highlights the critical gap between policy implementation and awareness, which leads to underreporting of harassment cases, psychological distress, and a lack of institutional accountability. Through a survey of 115 female respondents, the study assesses awareness levels and identifies barriers such as fear, stigma, and inadequate communication. The findings reveal mixed awareness, with some policies like Nirbhaya Pathak (86.1% awareness) and Vishakha Guidelines (70.4% awareness) being better known, while others, such as HER's Policy (49.8% awareness), show significant gaps. The study underscores the need for proactive measures, including workshops, clear communication channels, and robust reporting systems, to bridge this gap. Recommendations include mandatory training, gender sensitization programs, and collaborations with external agencies to enhance safety. By improving awareness and fostering a culture of reporting, the University can create a safer and more supportive environment for its female students and staff.