What are protections for women working at night?

Women can work at night if employer provides safe transport, adequate security, and consent is obtained.

Previously, women were prohibited from working in factories at night. However, with amendments and progressive court rulings, women can now work night shifts with adequate safeguards. Employers must provide safe transportation to and from the workplace, adequate security at the workplace, separate washrooms and rest rooms, consent of the woman employee, and compliance with POSH Act provisions. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 permits women to work at night in all establishments with these safety requirements. Employers violating these provisions face penalties and can be held liable for any harm caused.

• Factories Act — Section 66 (Women not to work at night — now amended in many states)
• Shops and Establishments Act (State-specific provisions)
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013