The recent #boyslockerroom incident involving Delhi schoolboys has once again brought attention to the underlying issues we constantly face with toxic masculinity and gender inequality in India. This incident is not a stand-alone, but rather a direct outcome of the deep-rooted gendered prejudices that exist at a household, school community and larger societal level. We must pause, reflect and question – what values are we raising our sons and daughters, the future leaders of this country, with?
Here we explore some perspectives that encourage us to challenge the way we may think about moving forward.
1. It’s about time we move beyond the narrative of schooling and parenting
2. And relook at the patterns created by patriarchy
3. So that we understand the blurred line between “right and wrong”
4. And stop policing our daughters!
5. It’s about time we re-think how we share knowledge with young people
6. And teach consent to boys in a way they would understand
7. It’s about time we realise we as a society have failed our children
8. And we start having conversations with our boys
9. So that there are more men calling out men in spaces where women are not present
10. And we hope these conversations begin at an early age and bring about a change
