Kids must be taught to respect men, women equally: SC

Children should be taught to respect women and men equally, the Supreme Court’s lone woman judge R Banumathi has said while stressing that gender equality should be made a part of school curriculum.

Justice Banumathi, in her separate but concurring verdict running into 114 pages, upheld the death penalty of the four convicts in the brutal December 16, 2012 gangrape case and suggested several measures to curb violence against women. She also said that a change in society’s mindset is needed.

“Stringent legislation and punishment alone may not be sufficient for fighting increasing crime against women. In our tradition-bound society, certain attitudinal change and in the mindset is needed to respect women and ensure gender justice.

“Right from the early years, children ought to be sensitised to respect women. A child should be taught to respect women in the society in the same way as he is taught to respect men. Gender equality should be made a part of the school curriculum,” she said.

Justice Banumathi added that school teachers and parents should be trained, not only to conduct regular personality-building and skill-enhancing exercises, but also on keeping a watch on the actual behavioural pattern of children so as to make them gender-sensitised.

“Educational institutions, government institutions, the employers and all concerned must take steps to create awareness and to respect women. Sensitisation of public on gender justice through TV, media and press should be welcomed,” she said.

“Banners and placards in the public transport vehicles like autos, taxis and buses etc. must be ensured. Use of street lights, illuminated bus stops and extra police patrol during odd hours must be ensured,” she added.