Beyond the Symbolism: Reimagining Gender Sensitisation in Contemporary India

This paper examines the prevalent gender inequality and bias in contemporary Indian society, focusing specifically on stereotypes and violence against women. It seeks to understand these issues through the lens of student-led movements across Indian universities, while highlighting both the critical role of education in raising gender awareness beyond the classroom and the need to reimagine gender sensitization in India. Gender understanding is often based on the family and society in which we belong. So, the accountability of building a gender sensitive society also relies on the individual, the family, society and educators. In this regard, various student communities started campaigning in many cities in India. The student community is organising various programs to percolate gender sensitivity into society, like the “Pinjra Tod” movement by the students of Delhi University, which denies patriarchal thoughts. “Sanitary pad campaign” organised by Jamia Millia Islamia University to Jadavpur University, this series of movement to spread awareness about rape and sexism; “GSCASH” in JNU, against sexual harassment. These movements show us that education can play a vital role in raising awareness of gender equality and promoting sensitisation. Awareness changes the attitude of society towards gender bias and is a remedy for developing a gender-sensitive society.