The New Man

Why men should be gender-sensitive towards women peers.

- Swikriti Swarnkar

A chance encounter, I have with my neighbour Vikas, a new father beaming with joy over the arrival of his newborn daughter. His happiness reflected the palpable elation on his face. He distributed sweets to the community, celebrating the joy of parenthood and his willingness to help his wife with household chores is a heartwarming display of gender roles redefined. Meanwhile, my 10-year-old son's recent show wins my heart as at such a tender age he unknowingly advocates for the freedom to play without gender-based restrictions.

He stood for his girl best-friend Maya when she was teased by classmates for playing with trucks instead of dolls. His actions resonated deeply, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his budding understanding of gender altruism.

As society continues to evolve, we're witnessing a significant shift and the evolution of social attributes challenging stereotypes and encouraging men to embrace feminist values. It thus seeks to foster a more inclusive society where individuals are valued based on their abilities and character. Masculinity traditionally represents controlled emotions, dominant nature, and stoicism that can perpetuate inequality.

The evolution of gender sensitiveness seeks to challenge oppressive gender norms, harmful behaviours and attitudes that perpetuate sexism, and fight for justice and inclusivity. The acts of kindness, support, advocacy, or activism that specifically address certain communities define a broader spectrum of identities and roles, fostering personal fulfilment and healthier relationships. It gives men a wider perspective of understanding relationships and promoting liberation. When you raise your son with these values, he will become aware of diverse expressions of gender and will empower society to break rigid conventions.

Defining Gender Sensitiveness