Gender, Safety, And Higher Education: A Study of Women's Security Concerns on College Campuses in The Wake of Recent Harassment Cases

Gender-based harassment continues to pose a serious threat to female students’ safety and well-being on college campuses, despite legal safeguards and progressive ideals in higher education. This study examines perceptions of safety among female undergraduates, evaluates institutional mechanisms for reporting and redressal, and investigates the influence of recent high-profile harassment cases on campus culture and policy. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys (n=300) and in-depth interviews (n=30) across three Indian universities representing diverse geographies. Findings reveal that a significant proportion of students feel unsafe in hostels and poorly lit campus areas, with limited trust in institutional complaint mechanisms. While awareness of harassment has increased—partly due to media and social activism—tangible improvements in infrastructure and campus responsiveness remain limited. The study highlights the gap between formal policy and ground-level practice and underscores the need for survivor-centered reforms, enhanced security infrastructure, regular audits, and student-led safety initiatives. These insights call for sustained, intersectional approaches to ensure inclusive and equitable learning environments.