“Gender stereotypes and cultural norms have long justified violence against women, reinforcing harmful ideas like ‘men are aggressive, while women are submissive.’ These beliefs create a culture where abuse is normalised,” says Suchandra, our mental health counsellor. The recent tragic case of the RG Kar hospital’s doctor’s murder and sexual assault has drawn national and international attention to the vulnerabilities women face. It’s crucial to explore the root causes that make women easy targets for such crimes.
The horrific crime against a woman doctor at a major government hospital in Kolkata has ignited anger and protests across the country, with Calcutta Rescue students actively participating.
At Calcutta Rescue, we believe that change begins within our communities. Our education projects include comprehensive gender awareness training for pre-adolescents, adolescents, and young adults. We’ve also established a special “Boys Club,” led by our male social worker Souvik, where young boys from slum communities engage in discussions about mental health and the gender biases they encounter.
Souvik, the Boys Club leader, explains,
“Our boys are becoming more aware and are challenging patriarchal norms in their homes and society. They can recognise misogynistic attitudes and speak out when they witness such behaviour.”
Students, both boys and girls, along with their teachers, held a protest march near the Talapark Education Project.
“We can’t stay silent when such things keep happening in our society,” said Rohan, a member of our Boys Club.
“I agree. Raising our voices against these horrors is the first step. We must remember these crimes and work in our communities to prevent them,” added Soham. “I hope more boys join us in protesting violence against women.”
We regularly organise workshops and sessions with our student’s parents, discussing how abuse can occur even at home, the importance of raising boys and girls equally from a young age, keeping children away from media that glorifies toxic masculinity, and creating safe spaces for children at home.
While there is no quick solution to end violence against women, lasting change requires years of gender training, challenging deep-rooted 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.
