gender bias

While filling out a survey on gender bias, I found myself writing more than I planned to and answering in longer lengths.

To what extent do you think the following contribute the current "epidemic of rape and sexual abuse" in India?
Co-education, in combination with strong emphasis on mutual respect for one another, regardless of gender (or any other differences), AND in combination with consequences for violating one's private space, would help.

I think the lack of co-education definitely contributes. Segregating girls from boys might protect in one sense. But in another definition, it also brings more to light the fact that society believes girls and boys are not capable of sharing the same space. If instead, a secure/safe environment is harbored where both may co-exist and share the same space, I think opportunities are provided for three things to be learned: mutual respect, teamwork, and standing up for each other. While it may also bring light to the differences between boys and girls, it will also put forth chances for people to practice what they have learned. To stick up for friends and non-friends. To be a part of upholding justice, by not just refraining from doing the wrong things, but by consciously making the right choices and inciting the courage from within themselves to protect the fellow man/woman.

Rape has nothing to do with what one wears, thinks, or says. It simply has to do with the fact that the one committing the crime is in need of power, which in the mind of a messed up person, is achieved through abuse, through making the victim feel inferior and powerless. It's only about feeling stronger by making the victim feel weaker. It's a cowardly thing to do.

I think while the victim/survivor's behavior can go to show positive interest to their assaulter, I don't see anyone (girl or boy) desiring to be assaulted. Even in the cases where one shows interest, it does not signify that they are asking to be harassed or assaulted in any way against their wishes.

It would be smarter for a society to work to improve its standards, rather than only applying the opposite measures and telling victims to constantly be on the defense. Improving standards equates to having respect for all members of the society, creating a safe environment for all members of the society, putting boundaries w/o restricting the freedom of thought and speech, and the right to demand and get justice. According to Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs, when one does not feel safe, they are stuck at the 2nd tier of the ladder, which would have otherwise took them to becoming a better, more wholesome and complete person.

Any crime unpunished is bound to be tested and tried and repeated. It's an unfortunate concept, but where education and moral science is out of reach or seems to fail, punishment is the only method to discourage the same behavior. Countries with strict punishments don't experience minor criminal offenses as much as countries with unbalanced or non-executed laws.

Social media, tv serials, movies, etc. in the Indian culture glamorize the concept of women in beautiful Indian clothing, but confined to the spaces of the home. The problem isn't even so much that the women are constantly dressed up, caked in make-up, working at home, or that they may not have jobs. The problem is their lack of "access" to resources directly, and instead only through their husbands/families. Lack of access or stepping out of the house does contribute to lack of independence, which, in the moment of an abusive situation, will set them up for only loss. Even if women don't work outside the home or don't hold jobs, or are just housewives, I would encourage them to step out and be socially involved in their society/community and in building up standards for their society.

More than the skewed male/female ratio, the issue would be the reason for why it's that way. i.e. preference for male child, parents don't want to have to give dowry if they have a daughter, parents don't want to have to worry about a daughter, her safety and honor, etc.

The flip side of this main issue focuses on how sometimes people think working/staying at home, cooking, cleaning are lesser jobs. Just like it is believed that women who work outside the house or are earning are more empowered. I think one does not need to feel that being a housewife is any less empowering. Education, honor, respect can be earned even while doing a job at home. Similarly, if a man/husband decides to be the one to cook/clean etc, it need not be seen as a less prestigious or reputable job.