"Gender stereotypes and cultural norms have long justified violence against women, reinforcing harmful beliefs such as 'men are aggressive while women are submissive'. These beliefs create a culture where abuse is normalized," says Suchandra, our mental health advisor. The recent tragic case of the murder and sexual assault of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital has brought the vulnerability of women to national and international attention. It is crucial to explore the root causes that make women easy targets for such crimes.
The horrific crime against a female doctor at a major government hospital in Kolkata has sparked anger and protests across the country, with Calcutta Rescue students actively participating.
At Calcutta Rescue, we believe that change starts in our communities. Our education projects include comprehensive gender awareness training for pre-school children, adolescents and young adults. We have also set up a special 'Boys Club', led by our male social worker Souvik, where boys from slum communities participate in discussions about mental health and the gender biases they face.
Souvik, the head of the Boys Club, explains:
"Our boys are becoming more aware and questioning patriarchal norms in their families and in society. they can recognize misogynistic attitudes and speak up when they witness such behaviour. Students and their teachers organized a protest march near the Talapark Education Center."
"We cannot remain silent if such things continue to happen in our society," said Rohan, a member of our boys' club.
"I agree. Raising our voices against these horrors is the first step. We need to remember these crimes and work in our communities to prevent them," Soham added. "I hope more boys will join us in protesting violence against women."
We regularly organize workshops and sessions with our students' parents where we talk about how abuse can also happen at home, the importance of raising boys and girls equally from an early age, keeping children away from media that glorifies toxic masculinity, and creating safe spaces for children at home.
While there is no quick fix to end violence against women, lasting change requires years of gender role training, combating ingrained stereotypes and comprehensive sex education from an early age.
It's time for change to come from within. Together, we can create a society where every woman can live free from fear.