The Noida administration has introduced a new rule to make gyms, yoga centres, and swimming pools safer for women. Under this rule, it is now mandatory for these places to hire female trainers to provide a more secure and welcoming environment for women.

The order was issued on January 5, 2025, and establishments have been given two days to follow it. They need to hire women trainers, make sure trainers carry Aadhaar cards for proper identification, and install CCTV cameras with video recording systems for safety monitoring.

A step towards safer public spaces

This decision comes after the Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission gave safety suggestions in November 2024. They recommended hiring female staff in boutiques to take women’s measurements and adding CCTVs in salons, gyms, and other public places for better security.

Babita Chauhan, the chairperson of the UP Women’s Commission, explained the reason behind these suggestions. She said, “There have been increasing complaints of 'bad touch' by male trainers in gyms and in women’s boutiques where tailors who take measurements are mostly male.”

She also highlighted why gyms should have female trainers, saying, “For women who go to the gym, my only request is that the gym owner should keep a trainer, but there should be a female trainer too.”

Focus on women’s safety

The order focuses only on gyms, yoga centres, and swimming pools, while other suggestions like hiring female staff in boutiques and hair salons are not included right now. Despite this, the order highlights the need for safer and more comfortable public spaces for women.

The women’s commission also recommended having female teachers or security guards on school buses to ensure students’ safety.

This decision has been seen as a good step toward improving women's safety, especially in places where they might interact with male trainers or staff. By setting such rules, the authorities hope to prevent inappropriate behaviour and create a safer, more supportive environment for women in Noida and across Uttar Pradesh.