Not everyone considers herself fortunate enough as Dr Swati Shabnam of Ranchi to see her father preparing tea for the family after coming from tiresome day’s work at office. Not every woman finds a husband to take care of infants or wash clothes or take part in household activities equally as women. The world as it is seen by the fairer sex is hugely dominated by men and their masculinity in almost all spaces of society.
The stereotype across societies portrays masculinity as violent and dominant, which is perhaps one of the greatest taboos of the present world. In the context of Jharkhand, where literacy rate and development index is below average the need of sensitization of communities for gender equality becomes crucial.
Social organizations led by Partnering Hope into Action (Phia) Foundation today launched a unique Gender Equality Campaign: ‘It’s Possible’ - for women and men to be treated equally. The campaign was launched on the occasion of Birsa Munda’s 117th death anniversary at Suchna Bhawan in Ranchi on Tuesday.
Through the campaign the organization wants to make people believe that “it’s possible” to create an environment in which both men and women are equal and live with equal rights and life opportunities.
During the launch a Round Table Discussion on the ‘State of Jharkhand achieving of Sustainable Development Goals and role of youth as catalyst for this change’ was conducted where Chief Guest, Principle Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development MS Bhatia said that media plays a crucial role in fabricating the perception of the society. “Other than gender equality, Jharkhand also dwells with the problems like child marriage and witch-hunting. Jharkhand Government has planned to launch a similar campaign ‘Tejaswani’ that will help adolescent girls and women to get proper education and health facilities,” he said.
Highlighting the family’s role in curbing gender inequality Dr. Kiran, a gender activist, said that parenting has a massive impact on the development of an individual. On the other hand, Dr. Rahul Singh, a language teacher discussed about the role of the gendered language that we use in creating gender inequalities.
Concluding the discussion, Johnson Topno , State Manager of PHIA Foundation said that creating awareness and self-confidence was very important for over-all development of women. He further added around 50 change makers will be hired and trained in Jharkhand from various backgrounds like media, government, entertainment industry to promote and influence these ideals. Also the campaign will engage with the communities and multiple stakeholders through media and on-the-ground interventions. Over 500 individuals will be hired and they will reach out to at least 10 lakh individual through media.
Ranendra Kumar, Director Sports, Kiran, Gender Activist, P K Jha, NSS, State Coordinator alongwith several CSO representatives were among those during the programme.