Tribal children instill change in their communities: overcoming domestic violence and oppression of women – Tamil Nadu

SARAH ELIZABETH WEBB, The Hindu, February 16, 2013

I have been patient — tolerant even — of the constant threat of sexual harassment that comes with travelling as a Western Woman. I anticipated it and took precautions by dressing conservatively and even wearing a fake wedding ring to ward off unwanted attention. I am conscious of the norms surrounding gender roles in India; sometimes following them even when I don’t agree, all as a means of preventing the negative interactions with men. But, in all reality, none of it works. I have tried to ignore the harassment, pretending that it doesn’t bother me, or even acting as though I can’t hear it. I have tried to shrug it off, telling myself that not all men act like this; surely most men wouldn’t make these comments. I have been patient, but I have also had enough. The comments — the attitudes — towards Western women are disgusting, degrading and totally unacceptable. […]

I can’t get up and move to a separate part of my cage to escape the negative attention because in my cage, there are no bars, and the men simply follow. […]

I am, however, hopeful that we can eventually rid ourselves of a world that tolerates sexual violence. Perhaps my optimism here is misplaced, but I believe that we can eventually live in a world where sexual aggression is no longer a common story, but rather, a rare one. I am hopeful because the women of the world are taking a stand; they are speaking out against rape, holding protests, and telling the world that we will no longer tolerate this violence, exploitation, and oppression. The female-led protests in India are among the first in the country to stand out with such vigour and dedication. I am hopeful because I think that it is possible to teach our sons to respect and to love women.

This optimism is, in part, drawn from my experiences teaching in a school for tribal and underprivileged children in Tamil Nadu. The passion and commitment that they have for transforming the world into a better place provides inspiration that frequently brings tears to my eyes. Despite the social problems of alcoholism and domestic violence that surround much of their lives at home, these children are dedicated to instilling change in their communities. They have already illustrated their ability to challenge the gender norms that are passed down to them from their communities, and show a strong dedication to the promotion of equality. These children are the basis for my hope that change will happen. They are the basis for my optimism. Overcoming such deeply rooted patriarchy will inevitably take time. It will take dedication, passion and commitment; but it will happen.

Note: This article is not intended to suggest that all Indian men, or all men for that matter, behave in this manner. I do have interactions with men that are more than respectful, polite and well-intentioned. However, the extent to which these occurrences happen is enough to warrant an article in response.

Source: The Hindu : Features / Sunday Magazine : Sexualisation of the Western woman
Address : http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/sexualisation-of-the-western-woman/article4414595.ece
Date Visited: Sun Feb 17 2013 11:17:24 GMT+0100 (CET)

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Photo: Report on Women’s Rights, p. 15

Equality of Opportunity in matters of Public Employment
Constitution Article 15

Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.—(1) The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. (2) No citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them, be subject to any disability, liability, restriction or condition with regard to— (a) access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment; or (b) the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads and places of public resort maintained wholly or partly out of State funds or dedicated to the use of the general public. (3) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for women and children. 2 [(4) Nothing in this article or in clause (2) of article 29 shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.]

Source: pp. 9 & 16, “Women’s Rights in India: An Analytical Study of The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and The Indian Constitution, Legislations, Schemes, Policies & Judgements 2021” by Research Division, National Human Rights Commission, India (www.nhrc.nic.in) | Learn more >>
URL: https://www.jorhatjudiciary.gov.in
Date Visited: 9 May 2023

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