Hello,

 I am a male student of senior secondary level in a reputed school of Kolkata and I am seeking your help.

As I have been growing up, I have felt that the lack of formal sex education in India deeply effects the equation between men and women – be it in the private space at home or in the public sphere like a common workplace. A mother’s worth in India is decided by the number of male children she gives birth to. From a young age, girls are resigned to their lot as care givers to the whole family even if they go on to have a career whereas boys are sub-consciously aware of their privileges as well as of the way their mothers and sisters are treated by the other men-folk of their families. A growing boy often sees patriarchy at its worst – taking the form of misogyny. He may end up internalizing these misogynistic attitudes and begin to objectify women’s bodies and feel entitled. This may often take its most brutal form as rape and sexual violence. 

The need of the hour is to teach young children about gender, sex and normalize talking about these issues. Patriarchy compels women to become the primary victims of rape, sexual violence, and gender inequality but we often gloss over the fact that men are also impacted by societal pressures and expectations stemming from patriarchy. Children growing up in an environment influenced by gender stereotypes are either potential victims or perpetrators of sexual violence. As a result, we, suffer from the consequences of gender inequality which include  economic loss, social unrest, and damage to reputation.

What is at Stake? The safety and dignity of women is always at risk due to the continued prevalence of rape and sexual violence which threaten women's physical and psychological well-being. The perpetuation of gender stereotypes and discrimination hinders progress towards a just and equitable society. The occurrence of such heinous crimes erodes the moral values and collective conscience of our nation. 

Why now? So that another Nirbhaya or Abhaya does not have to die to prove this point, so that men can also become aware that patriarchy as an idea is cruel not only towards women but also men, because we are protesting the 31-year-old intern’s brutal rape and murder at R.G Kar Medical College, so that as citizens of tomorrow, we can be sure of a safer India. 

The R.G Kar case has made all of us acutely aware of the fact that the Nirbhaya Case of 2012 has not brought any change in the mindset of the people. It has made us realize that women are still unsafe, be it in their home, on roads or at their work-place.

The #Take Back the Night Movement of 14th August 2024, which ushered in the 78th Independence Day of our country has amply demonstrated to us the power that people have to bring about a change. Therefore, I must propose a crucial inclusion as a stakeholder, albeit a single one, in our basic education.

I hope that most people will agree to it for many ministers and officials may resign when such a crime takes place, many perpetrators will be caught and punished. But the wounds of the victims of rape and sexual abuse will never heal.

Rape is not just an act of sexual violence. It is the basest way to show the domination of one individual over another. It is a show of power, an instrument to instill fear, a method to destroy a life. however, it can be prevented if children are taught the ramifications of this heinous crime from a young age. 

Thus, I propose that gender and sexual education be made mandatory at all central and state board schools.  From grade 1, children should at least be made aware of acceptable and unacceptable behavior towards each other. As they progress, they should be taught about healthy relationships and boundaries between individuals. They should be taught about self-awareness, consent, clear communication. The gender stereotype that women work in kitchens while men go out to earn must be broken for good. They must be taught about gender equality.

At the level of secondary school, sex education should be made compulsory. Teenagers must be taught how to approach any discussion about sex sensitively. Myths should be broken and mis-conceptions should be cleared.  The taboo on sex is the root cause of degeneracy. If that taboo is broken, it may protect women as well as create responsible men.  

As a student of senior secondary school, I urge you to please consider my argument. I may not have reached the age to vote, but I do understand the nuances of gender inequality and how it hurts us irrespective of our gender.

As adults you can help us to bring about a change at root level.  Together, we can make a difference. I urge and request everyone to spread this message far and wide. Your one signature can mean a whole lot of difference for the future generations. Perhaps then we will be able to operate in a society without any more Nirbhayas. 

With regards,

A Future Citizen of India