The horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, India draws attention to the critical imbalance in our approach to gender violence. The words 'protect your daughter' are said and heard very frequently. However, ‘educate your son' is hardly ever voiced. This imbalance reveals the ongoing failure to address key aspects of gender equality and respect. To break this cycle, we must prioritize educating boys about respect and equality. From an early age, girls are taught to be cautious and compliant, constantly reminded of their potential vulnerability. In the meantime, boys are repeatedly given unchecked free rein, without understanding how their behaviour can affect others. This difference in upbringing furthers a culture where gender-based violence escalates. Boys must learn from an early age that their rights do not include the power to control or harm others. Such education is indispensable to tearing down the harmful cycle of toxic masculinity that continues violence against women.
Muhammad Shahjahan Memon
Islamabad
