Gender is one of the important topics in the field of sociology. The study of gender grew out of second phase of the Women’s Movement. Gender is a matter of social life. It is one of the organising principles of the modern world. Gender shapes identities and behavioural dispositions of individuals. It shapes social interaction and social institutions.
The word gender is now being used sociologically or as a conceptual category. In its new incarnation, gender refers to the socio-cultural definition of man and woman. It is an analytical tool to understand social realities with regard to men and women.
Gender sensitization refers to the raising sensitization of gender equality concerns. It modifies the behaviour and views that people hold about themselves and other genders. It is the process of changing the stereotypical mindset of men and women, the mindset that strongly believes that men and women are unequal entities and hence, have to function in different socio-economic spaces.
Gender sensitization can help in developing mutual respect and empathy towards the opposite gender; it can help in decreasing violence and crimes against men, women, transgenders and other marginalised communities; it helps in changing the attitude and mindset of individuals; and it can lead to gender justice, equality and inclusion.
In order to sensitise individuals regarding gender issues, it is important to first understand the difference between gender and sex and also understand certain terms like sexism, gender stereotypes, gender roles, eve teasing and sexual harassment.
The distinction between sex and gender was introduced to deal with the general tendency to attribute women’s subordination to their autonomy. Gender is a matter of culture and it is a socially constructed notion of masculinity (Ann Oakley, 1972). The connection between sex and gender is not natural at all. Sex is constant; but gender is variable and can be changed.
Each society slowly transforms a male or female into a man or a woman, into masculine and feminine, with different qualities, behavioural patterns, roles, responsibilities, rights and expectations. Unlike sex which is biologically determined, the gender identities of men and women are historically and socio-culturally determined. However, gender is not just reducible to a binary division in the society.
Sexism refers to the discrimination or prejudice based on gender or sex, typically against women. It implies an incorrect belief that men are inherently more valuable than women or superior in some way. The concept of sexism was originally formulated to raise consciousness about the oppression of girls and women, although by the early 21st century it had sometimes been expanded to include the oppression of any sex, including men and boys, intersex people, and transgender people. Sexism in a society is most commonly applied against women. . It functions to maintain male domination. Sexism sometimes also affects men, typically from male peers. A common form of socialization that is based in sexist concepts teaches particular narratives about traditional gender roles for males and females. Although women are seen as naturally fit for domestic work and are superb at being caretakers, their roles are devalued or not valued at all when compared to men’s work.
The extreme form of sexist ideology is misogyny, the hatred of women. A society in which misogyny is prevalent has high rates of brutality against women—for example, in the forms of domestic violence, rape, and the commodification of women and their bodies. Where they are seen as property or as second-class citizens, women are often mistreated at the individual as well as the institutional level. For example, a woman who is a victim of rape (the individual or personal level) might be told by a judge and jury (the institutional level) that she was culpable because of the way she was dressed.
A feminist study of gender in society needs concepts to differentiate and analyse social inequalities between girls and boys and between women and men that do not reduce differences to the notion of biology as destiny. To overcome gender subordination in society is, then, to dismantle sexism in society. The study of sexism has suggested that the solution to gender inequity is in changing sexist culture and institutions.
Another commonly held assumption which is a hindrance to gender sensitization is that about feminism. Feminism is not a bad term. It fights against the oppressive patriarchal structure which propagates and rationalizes universal subordination of women. It has nothing to do with man-hating. The feminist movement fought for the abolishment of sexism and the establishment of women’s rights as equal under the law. By the remediation of sexism in institutions and culture, women would gain equality in political representation, employment, education, domestic disputes, and reproductive rights. In short, feminism can be defined as the advocacy of women’s rights in terms of gender equality.
Gender sensitization is the process of becoming aware of and addressing gender issues and inequalities. It is a crucial aspect of promoting gender equality and combating discrimination. Sociology provides a lens through which to analyse and understand gender dynamics in society. Gender roles and expectations are socially constructed and vary across cultures and historical periods. Gender identity is an individual's sense of self as male, female, or non-binary. Gender expression is the way in which an individual presents their gender identity through behaviour, clothing, hairstyles, etc. Societal norms and expectations play a significant role in shaping gender identity and expression.
Gender discrimination can take many forms, including sexual harassment, domestic violence, and wage inequality. Gender sensitization must involve challenging and changing societal norms and structures that perpetuate inequality. It also involves raising awareness of the experiences and perspectives of marginalized genders. Intersectionality, which considers the interconnectedness of different identities and experiences, is an important aspect of gender sensitization.
Gender sensitization is not just the responsibility of women and marginalized genders, but of everyone in society. It must be incorporated into education, workplace policies, and all aspects of social life. Gender sensitization is a lifelong process, as individuals and society continue to evolve and change. Gender sensitization can be a part of our everyday lives.
Gender sensitization in the workplace is essential for creating a safe and inclusive environment for all employees. It is also important for preventing discrimination and harassment and promoting equal opportunities. Gender sensitization in education can help to challenge gender stereotypes and promote equal opportunities for all students. In media and advertising, gender sensitization is important for challenging harmful representations of gender.
Gender sensitization in healthcare is essential for ensuring that all individuals receive appropriate and respectful care. In legal systems it is important for ensuring that laws and policies protect the rights of all genders. Gender sensitization in politics is essential for achieving gender equality and representation. In religious institutions, it is important for challenging patriarchal interpretations and promoting equality.
Gender sensitization in communities is essential for creating safe and inclusive environments for all genders. In families, it is important for challenging patriarchal dynamics and promoting healthy relationships. Gender sensitization in relationships is important for promoting mutual respect and consent. Gender sensitization in language is important for respecting individuals' gender identities and avoiding harmful stereotypes. In technology, it is important for preventing bias and promoting accessibility for all genders.
Gender sensitization in sports is important for promoting equal opportunities and challenging gender stereotypes. In arts, it is important for challenging gender stereotypes and promoting representation of diverse genders. In sciences, it is important for challenging gender bias and promoting equal opportunities. Gender sensitization in the military is important for promoting equal opportunities and preventing discrimination and harassment.
Gender sensitization in the government is important for promoting equal representation and policies that protect the rights of all genders. In the global community, it is essential for promoting gender equality and combating discrimination on a global scale.
Gender sensitization is an ongoing process that requires constant reflection, education, and action. It is crucial for creating a more just and equitable society for all genders. It is not just about promoting the rights of women and marginalized genders, but also about challenging the societal structures that benefit.
Gender sensitization should take place from a young age. Parents and Teachers should pay special attention to ensure that children do not follow the gender biases that are generally followed in the community or society. Raising awareness about sexual harassment is crucial for gender sensitization. Society often tries to normalise sexual harassment (for example, sexual joke) and rationalize subordination of women and other communities that doesn’t fall under the binary system of gender.
Even Indian film industry plays a dominant role in spreading sexism and gender stereotypes (“Mardh ko Dardh nahi Hota”; “Agar Khubsoorat Ladki ko na Chedo Toh Wo Bhi Toh Uski Bezzati Hoti Hai na”), which the individuals should recognize and such attitudes should not be promoted. Our films are a reflection of our society. For global audience it is a mirror towards how we treat women in real life. Despite filmmakers claiming that Bollywood is undergoing a wave of change in terms of storytelling, there is still a long way to go towards granting females a respectable stand, so that it equally reflects on our society.
Gender sensitivity and inclusion can be taught in the following ways - Conducting gender sensitisation sessions and workshops at schools, colleges, workplace etc; making topics related to gender equality and sensitisation part of the school and college curriculum; using gender neutral language at home, school/college, workplace etc; training parents and teachers (school and college) about what they should teach children directly and indirectly; school and college textbooks should be free from gender biases; to educate and empower both women and men to become more inclusive and empathetic towards each other by making them aware of how to tackle stereotyping and unconscious biases, gender inclusion in the workplace and even aspects of the POSH Act; making use of gender neutral terms or variable or non-binary pronouns like ‘they’ at college, workspace, etc. This not only helps in unboxing gender identity but also encourages empathy and makes colleagues non-judgemental; setting up Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) at workplace, colleges etc; laying down policy to prevent gender discrimination and sexual harassment of any individual.
Gender sensitization is a need of the hour. With the changing times and changing gender roles, it is important to spread awareness about gender issues and take effective steps to create an enabling environment that is considerate towards the sentiments and choices of all human beings. Breaking gender stereotypes will help both men and women to live a dignified life. Gender inequalities are learned from a young age and that too at various levels i.e., at school, home/family, community etc. Therefore, gender sensitization cannot take place in a day and is a long-term process, which requires consistent efforts. Education can play an important role in gender sensitization.
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