A new pilot research study will examine the effectiveness and broader implications of Women-only Police Stations (WoPS) in India, a pioneering initiative designed to improve responses to gender-based violence and empower women within law enforcement. First established in Kerala in 1973, WoPS are staffed entirely by female officers and aim to provide a safe, supportive environment for women to report crimes, receive sensitive investigations, and access essential services.
Despite the expansion of WoPS across most Indian states, questions remain about their long-term impact. This study will assess whether WoPS increase reporting of crimes against women, improve victim experiences and case outcomes, and contribute to higher conviction rates. At the same time, it will explore how working in WoPS affects female police officers’ career development, job satisfaction, leadership opportunities, and access to specialized units within the wider police service.
By combining an analysis of victim support, investigative practices, institutional challenges, and gender dynamics within policing, the research seeks to identify both the strengths and limitations of the WoPS model. It will also consider whether the existence of WoPS has influenced how traditional police stations address crimes against women, and whether the model could be adapted for use in other South Asian countries facing similar challenges.
The findings aim to inform policymakers, law enforcement leaders, and gender-justice advocates on how to balance survivor-centred policing with equitable career pathways for women officers, ensuring that Women-only Police Stations fulfill their promise as both a tool for justice and a catalyst for institutional change.