Education is the one tool for achieving social justice and equality. It is important for the holistic development and creation of an inclusive society. Despite India being the third-largest economy, the promise remained incomplete. According to UDISE+ data, 2023-24, there are 1471891 schools across India, with a total number of enrolments (Primary to Higher secondary) is 234963031.
When considering the governance of India, the usual mental picture that comes to mind are clogged-up bureaucratic corridors or raucous parliamentary debates. But on closer examination—more specifically within panchayat halls of rural India, municipal councils of small towns, and district administration offices—one sees a quieter revolution in progress. Increasingly, women are assuming leadership positions, not just demanding representation but also changing the very foundation of governance.
Over the course of several weeks, I collected responses from young women professors across India; across disciplines, institutions, and experiences. They filled out anonymous questionnaires that asked about experiences of discomfort, harassment, and institutional response. What emerged was not a story of isolated “bad incidents,” but of deep-rooted cultural norms that weaponize politeness, professionalism, and silence against women who dare to be visible.
Workplace harassment is not just a violation of professional ethics; it is an outright breach of fundamental constitutional rights. When a woman is denied justice after facing harassment, her right to equality (Article 14), protection from discrimination (Article 15), right to freedom of speech and expression (Article 19), and right to life and dignity (Article 21) are all compromised.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is an ever-present reality in many communities, yet it remains a topic shrouded in silence. While its direct impact on women is often acknowledged, the effect it has on the early development of children is rarely spoken about. These children are not just bystanders; they are silent victims, absorbing the trauma around them and often replicating the cycle as they grow.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most pervasive and devastating human rights violations across the globe. It transcends borders, cultures, and communities—affecting individuals regardless of age, class, race, or sexual orientation. Whether it takes the form of intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, child abuse, or human trafficking, GBV leaves a lasting impact on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of survivors.
Though it has deep roots in societal institutions that affect and involve everyone, gender-based violence (GBV) is frequently presented as a problem that just affects women. Men's involvement in maintaining or destroying patriarchy is highlighted in current talks, but the topic needs to go beyond recognizing privilege or encouraging allyship.