Help Stop Violence Against Women in India

Rajesh’s Story: Challenging Gender Norms and Violence 

Rajeshis a 26-year-old man from Natapatu village, Cuddalor district, Tamil Nadu. He is a member of the Masculinity group, a project run by Adecom and Maitri Network, two local partners of Karuna. The project aims to educate men and boys about gender equality, non-violence, and healthy interpersonal relationships. 

Rajesh has been attending the masculinity sessions regularly, where he learned about different topics such as gender stereotypes, son preference, work division, and self-harm. He realised that he and his family were practising gender discriminationin their daily lives. He decided to change his behaviour, in the hope it would also change his friend's and relatives’ views. 

He said, “One of the sessions on self-harm taught me how people harm themselves and others. I learned how to protect myself and my community from self-harm. Self-harm can lead to problems like suicide, drug addiction, murder, or harassment of others physically or mentally. I also learned to use respectful language and not abusive words. If any problem arises, I know how to handle it. Men and women should share the work. I respect both male and female children.” 

Rajesh is one of the many men and boys who are transforming their lives and communities through the Masculinity project. We also work to support women and girls, who are often the survivors of discrimination, abuse and male violence.