‘We need to expand feminism to be male-centric, to ensure no man commits crimes against women’

Noted writer and poet Prof. Vinaya Okkunda stressed the need to expand feminist ideology to be more inclusive of men and to ensure that no male individual commits atrocities against women.

Speaking at a seminar organised as part of International Women’s Day in Hassan, Ms. Okkunda stated that many renowned feminists have opined that society cannot find answers to many problems that women face if feminism remains women-centric. “The education system has failed to help men understand that committing atrocities against women is a crime. We need to find answers in the way we raise our sons. There is a need to make our sons realise that they are also common human beings just like their female counterparts,” she said.

“As every parent hopes that their daughter does not become a victim of harassment or atrocity, we need to ensure that our sons do not become rapists or commit crimes against women,” she stated, highlighting the increasing number of crimes against women across the globe.

B.N. Nandini, Hassan Lokayukta SP, emphasised the need for education and awareness among both males and females to stop crimes against women. “There are instances where family members support the male members of the family who commit crimes against women. Through education and awareness, we need to change the mindset with which men treat women,” she said.

K.V. Stanley, co-founder of Odanadi Seva Samsthe in Mysuru, spoke about women who go missing and opined that a corrupt system is the culprit behind crimes against women. Referring to a recent operation conducted by his organisation with the help of the Hassan police, he mentioned that he found a paper containing a list of officers who regularly received money from the place where women forced into the flesh trade were rescued. “The person in charge of the place has clearly documented whom he regularly paid. I have sent a copy to the Superintendent of Police of Hassan for further action. This demonstrates how the corrupt system plays a major role in harassing women,” he stated.

The seminar was organised by the Karnataka Mahila Dourjanya Virodhi Okkuta, a state-wide organisation working for women, as part of a two-day event to mark International Women’s Day. Women representatives from different parts of the state took part in the jatha, discussions, and seminars, which concluded on Sunday.