Freedom From Fear
When will women live without fear?
Even after seventy-eight years of independence in India, women still feel unsafe. When will they get “Freedom from Fear”?
This article is written in light of a horrific, appalling, and horrendous incident that happened in Kolkata, India. A medic was brutally raped and murdered inside the medical college.
West Bengal has a female chief minister, yet numerous cases of violence against women are reported, and no action is taken against the culprits. Women are not safe in the regime of women’s administration.
- Are we living in a civil society where we respect each other’s rights?
- Do we abide by the law?
- Do we live in a world where women are treated as equals?
- Are we in a society where parents raise their children, only for the so-called civil society to mistreat them?
Society needs to step up to better encourage men to respect women and make them feel safe when they step out of the house to go to school, the workplace, or anywhere else.
The Urgency of the Message
We live in a world where, despite significant progress, violence against women remains alarmingly prevalent. From harassment in public spaces to domestic violence and sexual assault, the statistics are staggering and disheartening. Much of this stems from deep-rooted societal norms and cultural narratives that have long objectified and exploited women. Changing this narrative starts at home.
Why Families Hold the Key
As a family, you are your son’s first teacher. He looks to you for guidance on interacting with the world and the people around him. By teaching your son to respect women, value their autonomy, and see them as equals, you set the foundation for a future where women are treated with the dignity they deserve. Families have to shape the minds and values of their sons. One crucial lesson is that violating a woman’s modesty is never acceptable. By teaching your sons to respect women, you can help create a future where gender equality is the norm and violence against women is a relic of the past.
Changing the Narrative: What to Teach
1. Women Are Equals, Not Objects: Teach your son that women are not objects of desire, exploitation, or violence. They are individuals with their own dreams, goals, and rights. Women should be treated with the same respect and consideration that he would expect for himself.
2. Consent Is Non-Negotiable: Make sure your son understands the concept of consent from a young age. Teach him that no one has the right to touch, speak to, or treat another person in a way that makes them uncomfortable. Consent is about respect, and it is vital in all interactions.
3. Challenge Gender Stereotypes: Encourage your son to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Teach him that strength and sensitivity are not mutually exclusive and that real strength lies in respecting others and standing up for what is right.
4.Respect Women’s Autonomy:Help your son understand that women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, careers, and lives without interference. Their choices should be respected, just as his should be.
The Role of Schools
While lessons begin at home, schools play a critical role in reinforcing these values. Educational institutions should incorporate respect for women into their curricula, teaching students about gender equality, the importance of consent, and the harmful effects of objectifying women. Comprehensive sex education that includes discussions about respect, boundaries, and healthy relationships is essential in shaping young minds.
The Influence of Media and Bollywood
The media, particularly Bollywood, has a massive influence on the way young men perceive women. Unfortunately, many films still depict women in ways that reinforce harmful stereotypes – either as objects of desire or as victims without agency. This must change. Bollywood has the power to reshape cultural narratives by creating films that portray women as strong, independent, and equal to men. Stories that highlight the importance of respecting women, celebrating their achievements, and condemning violence and exploitation can have a profound impact on society.
The narrative around women’s modesty, respect, and rights needs to change. Teach your sons to value and respect women. Demand that schools, media, and Bollywood reinforce these values.
Let’s create a society where all women are treated with the respect they deserve.
