Gender awareness should involve men: report

Hyderabad:Involving men in gender awareness is crucial to achieving gender equality, a recent study by the Asian Development Bank reveals. The report examines gender disparities in access, affordability and leadership in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, energy, finance, transport and sanitation . Although progress is evident in the areas of education and health, male-dominated sectors such as transport, energy and finance remain largely untouched by gender mainstreaming efforts.

The study notes that gender transformation programs involving men and boys have led to measurable impacts such as a reduction in gender-based violence, increased participation of men in the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights, a change in gender norms and stronger support for women’s economic empowerment.

For example, in the education sector, the report features a case study of the work of the Study Hall Education Foundation. The foundation runs schools for girls and boys in low-income areas and students participate in group dialogues on topics such as gender, poverty, caste, domestic violence and sexual harassment, both at inside and outside of classrooms. According to the study, this is a better approach than working in gender-segregated groups, which prevents conversations from becoming exhaustive.

The study highlighted the limited impact of government programs on transforming women’s lives. For example, programs like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana have only brought some relief to women but have not structurally transformed their lives. Many women chose not to participate in the program due to traditional gender dynamics and easy access to traditional options. A. Ray, a software engineer, highlighted the role of private companies in promoting gender equality. “The male to female ratio at my company is 6:1. Although recruitment and diversity awareness campaigns have improved representation, there is a need for more focus on reducing bias, getting women into positions leadership and expanded opportunities. It is vital to involve men in these efforts. he said. Sushit Goud, a postgraduate student at Osmania University, said unequal gender ratio in college and university classrooms is an important indicator of persistent gender disparity in society .

The report says it is important to understand the concept of masculinity, particularly “toxic masculinity,” to combat gender inequality. The term refers to cultural norms that define men as emotionally reserved, tough, and resistant to vulnerability. Psychotherapist Mallika Chandrasekhar explains that toxic masculinity often stems from unresolved emotional wounds from childhood. She identifies two scenarios that promote this state of mind: one where a child is deprived of maternal love and seeks compensation, and another where the mother’s excessive indulgence leads to the belief that others owe dedication.

Chandrasekhar argues that addressing these root causes requires early intervention in classrooms and at home, where boys can learn respect for women from a young age. “It’s a conversation that needs to happen when boys are at an impressionable age and with women around them at home. When viewing women as capable and worthy, perhaps the difference and toxic attitude will not play a role in his relationships Then the vocabulary must also be checked Better vocabulary inside and outside the house We can stop using bad words that refer to women. .Books that inspire a vision of equality could. be made compulsory reading while they grow up and publish images where women are objectified,” she added.

Krithika Narayanswamy, a doctoral student from the University of Hyderabad, who researches gender sociology, mentioned that the literature shows that violence against women is often not only a public problem but also a domestic problem. Raising awareness among men about women’s rights, especially in communities where gender norms are entrenched, can lead to significant change. For example, community leaders from minority groups can play a crucial role in raising awareness and initiating discussions about physical and structural violence against women. These discussions take place at the individual, family and community levels.

“‘Toxic masculinity’ isn’t just about breaking down emotional barriers; it requires deeper engagement and recognition of vulnerabilities,” Narayanswamy said, adding: “Forcing individuals to conform to rigid societal norms, such as heteronormativity, often fuels toxic and violent behavior. “