Gender shocker: Blame men for violence, says Maneka Gandhi

New Delhi: Courting controversy, Union minister for women and child development Maneka Gandhi on Monday said that the role of men in gender sensitisation is critical as all the violence is “male-generated”.

To counter the problem, she said that her ministry is working on a concept of “gender champions” in schools under which boys will be chosen for being “respectful and helpful” to girls and will be awarded.

“Men’s role is the most critical since all the violence is male-generated. One of the ways to tackle this is at the school stage. So, we have started something which will go into effect in a few months, called ‘gender champions’ under which boys will be chosen who have been particularly respectful and helpful to girls and deserve to be emulated and rewarded,” the minister said in reply to a question while interacting live with users on Facebook.

“Prizes will be given to a person in each class annually. It can also be given to a girl who has been outstanding in her bravery or attitude etc,” she added.

The interaction was part of the ministry’s effort to enhance participation for its “100 Women Initiative” to recognise women achievers.

As for the alleged rape of two Nepalese maids by a Saudi diplomat in Gurgaon in Haryana, Ms Gandhi said the case was an “eye-opener” and added that the Central government will see what safeguards could be put in place to prevent such incidents in the future.

The ministry was also setting up “one-stop centres” called “sakhi”, which will play an active role in helping women in trouble, she added.

“Statistically, India needs a new school every seven minutes. Ours is the largest school system in the world. I agree we can do better,” she said commenting on the need of the education system.