Kolkata, West Bengal – A City Haunted by Tragedy

In the bustling city of Kolkata, a place known for its rich culture and history, a shadow lurks behind the vibrant streets. It’s a shadow of fear and pain that haunts the women who live here, a darkness that no amount of progress has been able to dispel.

Recently, the city was struck by a horrifying incident—a young girl, full of dreams and aspirations, was brutally raped and murdered. Her laughter was stolen, her life cruelly extinguished by men who saw her not as a human being but as an object to be exploited. The news rippled through the city, stirring anger and fear, but behind those emotions was a deep, pervasive sense of helplessness.

In another corner of West Bengal, a 19-year-old girl decided to take her own life after being assaulted. The trauma, humiliation, and pain became too much for her to bear. She felt no place was safe—neither the streets, her home, nor even her own mind. The world that should have nurtured her dreams instead became the cage that suffocated her.

These tragedies are not just isolated incidents. They are reflections of a deeper problem that plagues our society: the blatant disregard for women's dignity and safety.

Why Aren’t Women Safe in Their Own Homes?

One would think that home is a sanctuary, a place where women can let go of their fears and feel secure. But the truth is far from this. Even in their homes, women often face violence, both physical and emotional. Whether it’s from a family member, a neighbour, or a stranger, the boundaries that should protect women are violated over and over again.

In many cases, homes become the breeding ground for silent suffering. Domestic abuse, marital rape, and constant psychological torment happen behind closed doors. Many women are forced to endure, silenced by societal expectations and the fear of judgement.

It is horrifying that even in the 21st century, women are still fighting for the basic right to feel safe.

The Callousness of Men – A Reflection of Societal Rot

It’s difficult to comprehend how men—fathers, sons, brothers, husbands—can commit such monstrous acts without even thinking for a moment about the pain they inflict. It’s baffling that they do not realise the horror of what they are doing could just as easily befall their own mother, sister, or wife.

But the problem is far more insidious than individual cases of cruelty. It’s about the societal structures that foster this behaviour. From a young age, boys are often taught—intentionally or not—that masculinity is tied to dominance, and that women exist for their pleasure. In many households, girls are raised to be subservient, their voices stifled, their ambitions quashed.

When boys grow up witnessing women being treated as inferior, it becomes easy for them to internalise this mindset. And when men in power, from politicians to law enforcement, fail to take women’s safety seriously, it sends a dangerous message: that women’s lives are not as valuable as men’s.

This toxic patriarchy continues to thrive because we allow it to. We brush off casual sexism, dismiss verbal abuse, and ignore the cries of women who need help. And when a woman’s life is stolen by rape or murder, society reacts with horror for a brief moment before returning to the status quo, leaving her family to grieve alone.

When Will Change Come?

The question arises: when will society change? When will men realise that the violence they commit can have devastating effects on not just the victim but also their own families? What if, tomorrow, their own mothers or sisters are targeted? Would they then understand the pain they’ve inflicted on someone else’s daughter?

We cannot wait for change to come organically. It’s time for systemic reform. From stricter laws to protect women, to better enforcement, and societal shifts in how we view gender roles, everything needs to be reexamined. Education must play a pivotal role in reshaping how boys and girls are raised. Respect for all human beings, regardless of gender, should be the cornerstone of that education.

Women need to be empowered to speak out without fear of retaliation. Communities need to come together to protect and uplift their women, rather than turning a blind eye to the violence around them. And men need to be held accountable for their actions—whether it’s on the street, in the workplace, or in the home.

Conclusion: A Call for Justice

The rape and murder of a girl, the suicide of a 19-year-old—these are not just stories to be read and forgotten. They are cries for help from the very heart of our society.

The time has come for collective action. We must not allow women to be silenced by fear. We must fight for justice, for safety, and for a society where no woman has to worry about being harmed simply for existing.

Change is not a distant dream; it is a necessity. Until we create a world where women can live freely and fearlessly, we are failing as a society. We must stand up, speak out, and refuse to accept the violence that has been normalised for far too long.

Women deserve to be safe. Women deserve to be heard. Women deserve to live.

How Can Change Start?

Change begins at multiple levels—within individuals, families, communities, and institutions. To create a safer and more just society for women, it requires both a shift in mindset and systemic reforms. Here’s how change can start:

1. Education and Awareness:

1. Gender Equality Education: Schools need to prioritise gender equality from an early age, teaching children that boys and girls are equal, deserving of the same respect and opportunities. Education should include lessons on consent, boundaries, and the importance of empathy.
2. Sex Education: Proper sex education must go beyond biological facts and cover topics such as consent, respect for partners, and recognizing abusive behaviours. This will help break down harmful stereotypes and provide young people with the knowledge to foster healthy relationships.
3. Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns on sexual violence, harassment, and gender equality can break the stigma surrounding these issues. By normalising discussions on women’s safety and rights, society can challenge long-held prejudices.

2. Empowering Women:

1. Economic Independence: Women who are financially independent are better equipped to leave abusive environments and seek help when needed. This requires expanding women’s access to education, skills training, and job opportunities, as well as addressing gender pay gaps and workplace discrimination.
2. Self-Defense Training: Offering free or affordable self-defence classes for women can empower them to protect themselves in threatening situations, though this should be viewed as a temporary measure while broader societal changes take place.

3. Reforming the Legal System:

1. Stricter Laws and Swift Justice: Laws related to sexual assault, domestic violence, and harassment need to be both stricter and better enforced. Fast-tracking cases involving crimes against women can reduce the trauma of prolonged court processes. The criminal justice system should be more victim-centred, ensuring women feel protected when reporting crimes.
2. Accountability for Law Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies must be held accountable for how they handle cases of violence against women. Police officers need specialised training in handling these sensitive cases with empathy and urgency. Independent bodies should monitor their conduct to ensure that no case is ignored or dismissed.

4. Changing Cultural Norms:

1. Challenging Patriarchal Values: A societal shift is needed to challenge patriarchal norms that view women as inferior or as objects. This requires engaging men in the conversation and encouraging them to reflect on their own behaviour, language, and attitudes toward women.
2. Role of Media: Media plays a powerful role in shaping public perception. Positive portrayals of women as strong, independent, and equal can help shift cultural attitudes. Media outlets should also be held accountable for content that perpetuates misogyny or objectifies women.
3. Community Engagement:Communities must come together to create a culture of zero tolerance for violence against women. Local initiatives, such as workshops, forums, and campaigns, can engage people at the grassroots level to challenge harmful behaviours and protect vulnerable members.

5. Involving Men in the Solution:

1. Engaging Men as Allies: Men must be part of the solution, as gender-based violence cannot be eradicated without their involvement. This means challenging toxic masculinity and encouraging men to speak out against violence and harassment. Men need to understand that respecting women’s autonomy and rights benefits everyone, including themselves and their families.
2. Male Mentorship Programs: Men who recognize the importance of gender equality can serve as role models for younger generations. Mentorship programs can encourage men to break cycles of violence and guide others toward healthier attitudes and behaviours.

6. Supporting Victims and Survivors:

1. Accessible Resources: Victims of assault and abuse must have access to free, confidential resources such as shelters, legal aid, and mental health support. Increasing funding for crisis centres and hotlines is crucial to ensuring that help is available to all women, regardless of their financial situation.
2. Ending Stigma: We must work to end the societal stigma attached to victims of sexual violence. This involves normalising conversations about assault, supporting survivors without judgement, and holding perpetrators accountable.

7. Policy and Political Action:

1. Government Leadership: Governments must take a firm stance on protecting women’s rights. Policymakers should push for comprehensive legal reforms, allocate more resources to support women’s services, and ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable.
2. Quotas for Women in Leadership: Increasing the number of women in political and corporate leadership can ensure that women’s issues are better represented. Quotas and affirmative action programs can help close the gender gap in decision-making roles, allowing women to advocate for systemic change from within.

Conclusion:

Change can only start when every level of society—individuals, families, communities, institutions—recognizes the urgent need for it. We must move away from seeing gender-based violence and inequality as “women’s issues” and recognize them as fundamental human rights issues. By educating, empowering, reforming, and holding one another accountable, we can create a world where women are not only free but truly safe.

Educating men on gender equality, respect, and the prevention of violence against women requires a multi-faceted approach that begins early and continues throughout their lives. Here’s how we can effectively educate men:

1. Start Early: Education in Childhood and Adolescence

1. Teach Respect and Empathy: Begin in schools by incorporating gender equality, respect, and empathy into the curriculum from a young age. Boys should be taught that girls are their equals and should be treated with kindness and respect. Role-playing activities can help children understand consent and boundaries.
2. Normalise Gender-Neutral Play and Learning: Avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes at an early age. Encourage boys to engage in activities that promote cooperation, compassion, and emotional expression. Break the association between masculinity and dominance or aggression.
3. Sex Education Focused on Consent: Alongside traditional sex education, include discussions on consent, communication, and healthy relationships. Help boys understand that a woman’s body is her own and that consent is an active, ongoing process.

2. Reinforce Positive Masculinity in Adolescence and Young Adulthood

1. Challenge Toxic Masculinity: Programs for young men should focus on dismantling harmful notions of masculinity that equate being a man with being dominant, controlling, or emotionally detached. Promote the idea that true strength lies in respect, empathy, and self-control.
2. Create Safe Spaces for Discussion: Provide boys and young men with forums where they can talk about gender issues, peer pressure, and their own feelings without judgement. Normalise emotional vulnerability and encourage them to question societal expectations around masculinity.
3. Use Role Models: Highlight male role models who exemplify positive behaviours, such as respect for women, kindness, and non-violence. Encourage male celebrities, athletes, and community leaders to speak out about gender equality and respect for women.

3. Education Through Media and Popular Culture

1. Positive Representation in Media: Media has a powerful influence on shaping perceptions of gender. Promote movies, TV shows, and advertisements that portray men in positive, non-toxic ways—engaged in healthy relationships, standing against violence, and treating women as equals.
2. Campaigns and Public Messaging: Launch public awareness campaigns targeted at men that challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes. These campaigns should highlight real-life consequences of gender-based violence and offer alternative visions of healthy, respectful masculinity.

4. Engage Men as Allies in Gender Equality

1. Men’s Workshops and Programs: Hold workshops that specifically engage men in conversations about gender equality, respectful behaviour, and ending violence against women. These programs should be led by facilitators trained in gender issues and include discussions on understanding privilege, bystander intervention, and how men can support women.
2. Bystander Intervention Training: Teach men how to recognize situations of harassment or violence and how to intervene safely. This empowers men to play an active role in preventing violence in their communities.
3. Mentorship Programs: Pair younger men with older male mentors who model positive behaviours. Mentorship can help reinforce respect for women and challenge stereotypes through personal example and guidance.

5. Family and Community Education

1. Fathers as Role Models: Encourage fathers to actively teach their sons about gender equality and respect through both words and actions. Fathers play a crucial role in demonstrating how men should treat women, both inside and outside the family.
2. Community Workshops: Host community forums where men and women come together to discuss issues of gender-based violence, inequality, and how men can contribute to a safer society. Engaging men in these discussions within their communities helps normalise the idea that this is a collective issue, not just a “women’s issue.”
3. Faith and Cultural Leaders: Engage religious and cultural leaders to speak on the importance of gender equality and respect for women. These leaders often hold significant influence within communities and can help shift attitudes and behaviours.

6. Corporate and Professional Environments

1. Workplace Training: Implement mandatory training on sexual harassment, gender equality, and respectful communication in all workplaces. This should include education on recognizing harmful behaviours, such as inappropriate comments, and reinforcing a culture of respect and inclusion.
2. Men’s Groups in the Workplace: Establish men’s groups within companies that focus on educating male employees on gender issues, workplace harassment, and how to foster a safe and inclusive environment for women.

7. Legal and Institutional Support

1. Criminal Justice Training: Law enforcement officers, judges, and other legal professionals should receive training on handling cases of violence against women with sensitivity and respect. This training should address biases that exist within the system and emphasise the importance of protecting women’s rights.
2. Policy Advocacy: Encourage men to get involved in advocating for laws and policies that protect women, promote gender equality, and hold perpetrators of violence accountable. This includes pushing for better representation of women in leadership roles and ensuring that policies are gender-sensitive.

8. Holding Men Accountable

1. Zero Tolerance for Violence: Society must send a clear message that violence against women is unacceptable. Men who engage in harassment or violence should face real consequences, both legally and socially. Accountability reinforces that these behaviours are not tolerable and helps deter others from engaging in them.
2. Peer Accountability: Encourage men to call out inappropriate behaviour among their peers. When men hold each other accountable, it disrupts the “boys will be boys” mentality that excuses harmful behaviour.

9. Continuous Learning and Growth

1. Lifelong Education: Gender equality education shouldn’t stop after adolescence. Men should be encouraged to continuously reflect on their behaviours, attitudes, and biases throughout their lives. This can be done through ongoing engagement in workshops, discussions, and self-reflection.
2. Encouraging Empathy and Self-Reflection: Help men develop empathy by encouraging them to imagine situations from women’s perspectives. Encourage them to reflect on how their actions impact others and the broader societal implications of gender inequality.

Conclusion: A Collective Effort

Educating men on gender equality and respect for women requires the combined efforts of families, communities, institutions, and society at large. It’s about creating environments where men are empowered to question traditional norms, to be emotionally intelligent, and to stand up against violence and inequality. Ultimately, this education leads to a culture where men and women can live as equals, free from fear and violence.

.    .    .