Today we think of Bollywood as having in some way, normalised stalking and harassment of women. Earlier however this was seen only as the legitimate, even heroic pursuit of a woman who is the object of a man's affections. There is a lot that was OK then, but isn’t OK now. Earlier body-shaming, slut-shaming and victim-blaming were used to make women feel uncomfortable, guilty and blame-worthy. We now understand that the fault isn’t in what a woman wears but the problematic gaze that interprets her choice as an invitation. For many, these are new concepts that need awareness and a shift in perceptions; which is why gender sensitisation is now so important.
Gender sensitisation is about changing attitudes and mindsets. It is about making men and women understand that both men and women deserve the same opportunities, same level playing field, the freedom to make their own choices and freedom from discrimination. It is about social justice.
We've all heard stories or read news about women having awful experiences in cabs. Part of the reason could be that cab drivers are often from remote rural areas coming to the city to earn a living; confronting urban reality that is unfamiliar and puzzling to them. It could well be that in his village, women wearing clothes that reveal the legs are considered highly improper, but that in the city, this is simply office wear for many women. The woman should not be made to feel uncomfortable with the cabbie's amazement, his disapproval, starting or inappropriate comments.
Oftentimes, the men may not even mean to be offensive. They have simply never been told that what they are doing may be offensive or may constitute harassment. They may be unaware of the law and may not know what constitutes harassment; what behaviour is acceptable and unacceptable. Clarifying some of these concepts and educating cab drivers can bring about significant change in society.
Sensitising men can change how men speak amongst themselves about women and make them more conscious about using derogatory terms they may be using. It can even change how they view and treat the women of their own families.
It is best to educate kids about concepts of gender, equality and discrimination while still young so that they don’t imbibe problematic or toxic attitudes. It is important for kids to understand at an early age that while it is important to be safe, it is not the responsibility of the victim to avoid being attacked. It is the responsibility of every individual to be respectful of others. Kids need to know what behaviour is acceptable, understand concepts of body awareness and what constitutes abuse and harassment.
In school, kids can be made to understand that body changes are natural and that sex at the appropriate age and time is nothing to be ashamed of. Girls and boys both have to understand that sports are not just for boys and that expressing feelings is not just for girls.
This helps kids understand that gendered behaviour is not necessarily good behaviour. It helps them become aware and well-adjusted individuals who don’t view the other sex with either curiosity or hostility. By making this a part of the curriculum in a gradual, age-appropriate manner, children can grow up learning about respect, consent, acceptable behaviour, abuse and other important concepts – not just boys but girls as well.
Many Indian corporates now conduct awareness campaigns and training workshops to make workplaces safer and less hostile for women. Men and women can be made aware of comments, gestures and actions that are inappropriate in the workplace; even in the guise of a ‘joke’. Women have the same right to be a part of a safe, nonthreatening workplace that men take for granted.
However, there are many problems. The Uber and Ola drivers who are supposed to be participating in the sensitisation workshops may choose not to. Many companies do not have the resources to conduct the programmes that they should be. Even when these workshops and programmes are conducted, they may not be successful in changing entrenched attitudes and ideas.
Genuine gender sensitisation has to start early and has to start at home. The child has to see a father doing work around the house. The child has to see a mother getting respect from other members of the family. The mother must be seen to participate in decision-making. A father must be seen to value the mother's views and to be sensitive to her needs and vice versa.
Parents have to bring up their sons and daughters alike. Girls must get the same opportunities as boys and expect to have the same share of the family's resource as their brothers. While taking every precaution to remain safe, girls should not be subjected to rules and restrictions that boys in the family don’t have to abide by. Starting right, starting early - that is the only way gender sensitisation can really work.
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