Giving women more flexibility at work has always been a marker of social and economic progress. Allowing them to work night shifts shows how gender roles are evolving beyond traditional limits.
However, progress must come with safety, consent, and proper enforcement not just policy announcements.
The Delhi government’s new notification permitting women to work night shifts in offices and shops is a major change in the city’s employment policy. Under this rule, women can now officially take up night duties if they provide written consent.
The move aligns Delhi’s labour policy with the needs of a 24-hour economy, especially in IT, retail, and healthcare sectors where work continues round the clock.
While the decision expands opportunities, its success depends on strong safety measures. Employers and authorities must ensure secure transport, surveillance, and clear complaint systems for women working late hours.
The focus on consent is a welcome step, but effective implementation will determine real empowerment. Permission alone isn’t enough confidence and safety create lasting change.
If Delhi manages to combine this freedom with genuine protection, it could become a model for other states aiming to build safer, gender-inclusive workplaces.
