The North News
Chandigarh, November 19
Experts at a Chandigarh panel on gender-based violence said prevention must move beyond viewing men solely as perpetrators, calling instead for deeper engagement with boys and men to address the social pressures that shape masculinity. The event, organised by the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Punjab in collaboration with the High Commission of Canada and supported by Samvedana, formed part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign. Held at the Chandigarh Press Club in Sector 27-B, it brought together gender specialists, community leaders, legal experts, academics, government officials and media representatives to explore how masculinity shapes attitudes towards women and girls.
Setting the context, SEWA Punjab’s State Coordinator Harsharan Kaur presented early findings from two focus group discussions with young men in Mohali. She said the discussions revealed significant gaps in awareness and responsibility, pointing to social expectations around masculinity that often go unquestioned. “These insights underline the need for sustained community engagement with boys and men,” she said.
Opening the session, Geoffrey Dean, Counsellor for Political, Economic, Public Affairs and Protocol at the High Commission of Canada, stressed the importance of open dialogue. He said Canada remained committed to supporting initiatives in India that challenge harmful gender norms and advance gender equality. “Challenging GBV requires conversations that include everyone,” he said.
The panel featured gender and inclusion expert Dr Rainuka Dagar; Dr Upneet Lalli, head of training and research at the Institute of Correctional Administration; advocate Gurfateh Singh Khosa; and SGGS College historian Harjeshwar Pal Singh. Journalist and Samvedana vice president Aruti Nayar moderated the discussion.
Speakers argued that progress on GBV requires understanding the social, cultural and structural pressures that shape men’s behaviour. They emphasised that men must be seen as partners in prevention. “We need safe spaces where boys and men can discuss masculinity without fear or stigma,” one panelist said. Others stressed the role of schools, families and local communities in reshaping norms from a young age.
The event concluded with remarks from Anuradha Sharma Chagti, Director of Women and Child Development in Chandigarh. She highlighted government programmes aimed at preventing GBV but said long-term change must begin at home. “Raising boys to value empathy, equality and respect is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.
The panel forms part of SEWA Punjab’s wider pilot project examining how communities across the state perceive masculinity and GBV. Insights from the discussion will inform the next round of focus groups scheduled through March 2026. SEWA Punjab thanked the High Commission of Canada, Samvedana and participants for contributing to a constructive dialogue focused on building safer and more equitable communities.
