Unseen Discrimination Against Men: Addressing Gender Inequality in Society
When we talk about gender inequality, we often focus on the discrimination women face. However, it’s crucial to recognize that men also encounter various forms of unfairness and discrimination.
Is There Really Gender Equality?
The immediate answer to this question is often “no,” typically in favor of women. But have we ever considered that men too face inequality and crime, which society tends to overlook?
We frequently hear about crimes against women. But do we ever discuss crimes against men? Do we think that crimes against men don’t exist, or have we just chosen to ignore this issue?
Is it necessary to weigh every crime based on gender? Shouldn’t we consider the crime, criminal, and victim without involving gender?
False Cases and Gender Discrimination Ruining Men’s Lives
Under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, only a man can be held liable for cruelty or violence towards his wife. There is no legal provision holding a woman accountable for domestic abuse.
Take the case of Tariq, an instrumentation engineer. His wife wanted to live separately from his parents. When he refused, they split up, and she filed a lawsuit under the Domestic Violence Act, followed by a 498A case. Tariq, his mother, and his brother were arrested, and he claimed he wasn’t offered mediation. He described these laws as giving “a light to a monkey and telling him to go burn down his own house.”
The Bois Locker Room Case and Bias
In the Bois Locker Room case, both boys and girls were involved in inappropriate behavior. Yet, only boys were heavily criticized, while girls’ actions were ignored. Additionally, Manav Singh, a 17-year-old boy, committed suicide after a false accusation of sexual exploitation by a girl.
Society’s Double Standards
If oppression can happen to women, it can also happen to men. Society needs to accept that acknowledging men’s suffering doesn’t diminish their masculinity. Men are human and can feel pain. Recognizing this is essential for true gender equality.
India’s Sexual Harassment Laws
India has laws like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013 and various IPC sections to protect women. However, there are no specific laws for men’s safety under similar conditions, raising questions about their protection.
Cases Highlighting Men as Victims
In 2018, a senior male student at IIT Bombay sexually assaulted a junior male student. Despite multiple incidents, no serious action was taken.
In another case, Sarvjeet Singh was falsely accused of molestation by Jasleen Kaur. Despite being exonerated after four years, no action was taken against Kaur.
Vishnu, accused under the Sak/Sat Act of raping a Dalit girl, was acquitted by the Allahabad High Court after 20 years. The court found significant errors in his conviction.
Conclusion
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to equality. Yet, cases of discrimination against men make us question if society truly values this principle. It’s time to understand that men have rights too, and they can also be victims of injustice. Acknowledging this is crucial for achieving true gender equality.
By recognizing the discrimination men face and pushing for gender-neutral laws, we can create a more just and equal society for everyone.
