Dr Kanika Gupta
The brutal cases of Nirbhaya in Delhi and Dr. Mohimita in Kolkata have left an indelible mark on our collective conscience, stark reminders of the urgent need to combat sexual violence in our society. This article ties the critical need for fostering gender sensitivity in children to the broader societal impact, using high-profile cases to underscore the importance of the issue. It calls on various societal pillars viz-a-viz families, schools, media, and legal systems to play their part in preventing future tragedies.As we grapple with the aftermath of such horrific events, a critical question emerges: how can we foster gender sensitivity in our children, especially boys, to prevent such tragedies in the future?
Recognizing the Root Causes:The cases of Nirbhaya and Dr. Mohimita highlight profound issues of misogyny, entitlement, and a lack of empathy towards women. Boys are often socialized to dominate and control, leading to a sense of entitlement over women’s bodies and lives. Addressing these root causes from an early age is crucial in fostering gender sensitivity.
Challenging Toxic Masculinity: Traditional notions of masculinity often glorify aggression, emotional suppression, and dominance. Boys are frequently discouraged from expressing vulnerability or empathy traits deemed “unmanly” or “not manly”. To raise gender-sensitive boys, we must challenge these toxic stereotypes and encourage them to embrace a broader, healthier definition of masculinity that includes empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence.
Emphasizing Empathy and Respect: Teach boys to see girls and women as equals, deserving of the same respect and dignity. Encourage them to empathize with the experiences of others and understand the impact of their actions. By fostering empathy, we can help boys develop a deeper sense of respect for others, reducing the likelihood of engaging in or condoning harmful behavior.
Education on Consent and Boundaries: Consent education should be an integral part of a child’s upbringing, particularly for boys. They should be taught that no one has the right to another person’s body without their explicit consent. This understanding is crucial in preventing sexual violence, as it instills in boys the importance of respecting others’ boundaries from an early age.
Role of Schools and Educational Institutions: Schools like R.M. Kar Medical College, where Dr. Mohimita was once a student, have a vital role in shaping the values of young men. Educational institutions must incorporate comprehensive gender education that goes beyond biology, addressing issues of consent, respect, and equality. Colleges should foster environments where respectful and equal treatment of all genders is the norm, not the exception.
Parental Involvement (setting the foundation at home): Parents are the first and most influential teachers. Fathers, in particular, play a crucial role in modeling respectful behavior toward women. Boys who witness their fathers’ treating women with respect and kindness are more likely to replicate these behaviors. Conversations about gender equality and respect should start at home, with parents actively challenging harmful stereotypes and encouraging open discussions about gender and relationships.
Media Literacy (understanding influences): Boys are heavily influenced by media portrayals of gender. Movies, music, and online content often perpetuate harmful stereotypes, glorifying aggression and objectification of women. Teaching boys to critically analyze these messages can help them reject toxic narratives and embrace more respectful, egalitarian views of gender.
Community and Legal Support: Communities must unite to create safe spaces for discussions about gender, consent, and respect. Legal systems also need to be stringent, ensuring that those who commit gender-based violence are held accountable. The widespread outrage following the Nirbhaya case led to significant legal reforms, yet ongoing vigilance and advocacy are needed to ensure these laws are enforced and respected.
The tragic cases of Nirbhaya and Dr. Mohimita underscore the urgent need to raise a generation of boys who are gender-sensitive and committed to respecting others. By challenging toxic masculinity, teaching empathy and consent, and modeling respectful behavior, we can help prevent future violence and build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and equality. The responsibility lies with all of us such as, parents, educators, and society at largeto guide our boys towards a path of respect, empathy, and humanity.
(The author is a Ph.D. in Human Development from University of Jammu)
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