A “good boy” represents an inclusive and equitable view of gender roles. Such a person shows deep respect for women by carefully listening to their ideas, respecting their goals, and recognizing their autonomy. They reject old preconceptions and biases, promoting gender equality and opposing all forms of discrimination and violence against women. This good boy is not just sympathetic but also takes action to solve gender discrepancies, establishing a climate of mutual respect and equitable chances for all, regardless of gender. A good boy is not afraid to carry out tasks that are traditionally associated with women, according to gender stereotypes that exist in a patriarchal society and hence believes women are required to stay at home and handle household tasks, etc. A good boy cleans his own mess instead of creating them.
India Vision Foundation dedicatedly launched the Good Boys Campaign in response to the call for a movement by Dr Kiran Bedi, to reduce delinquency and crime against women. This is to be achieved by sensitizing young delinquents. The campaign is significant because it is based on the 4 S model of Shiksha (Education) – Sanskar (Values) – Skills – Swasthya (Health).
Gender Sensitization is a crucial prerequisite for an individual’s normal growth. Without being attentive to the demands of a specific gender, one may fail to understand the opposite gender and, in extreme situations, himself or herself. The need for this sensitivity has been sensed and realized throughout history and in practically every type of human existence around the world. To break down gender stereotypes and instill respect for women, the program attempts to develop a value system among delinquents that recognizes and respects the contributions of women explicitly and spontaneously. It is a crucial prerequisite for an individual’s normal growth. Without being attentive to the demands of a specific gender, one may fail to understand the opposite gender and, in extreme situations, himself or herself. The need for this sensitivity has been sensed and realized throughout history and in practically every type of human existence around the world. Gender sensitization increases people’s sensitivity to women in general. To break down gender stereotypes and instill respect for women, the program attempts to develop a value system among delinquents that recognizes and respects the contributions of women explicitly and spontaneously.
The Good Boy Campaign has been strategically implemented within correctional facilities, garnering essential support and appreciation from the prison administration. This initiative is designed to inculcate young male inmates with virtuous values and foster a deep respect for women, with the overarching objective of preventing them from repeating past transgressions. Notably, there has been a deliberate emphasis on those inmates incarcerated under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code. It is crucial to recognize that this campaign’s launch was not a hasty endeavour; rather, it unfolded through a meticulously planned and executed series of step-by-step procedures. Group meetings were organized for inmates who initially displayed hesitance in engaging and participating in the activities. In order to address their concerns, individual counselling sessions were conducted with each of the inmates, ultimately resulting in their active participation in the sessions.
One of the activities incorporated into the campaign is the role-play exercise, wherein an inmate is tasked with recounting their own case story, detailing the reasons behind their incarceration. These narratives are then reenacted by selected young male inmates. The primary objective of this activity is to facilitate self-reflection among the youth inmates, enabling them to comprehend the mistakes—whether conscious or inadvertent—that have led to their incarceration. The aim is to impart valuable lessons from these experiences, ultimately discouraging the repetition of such errors in the future. Correct the tense. A Nukkad Natak session was organized in collaboration with the Liftupromedia Nukkad Natak team, with a distinct emphasis on creating awareness about crimes against women and fostering gender sensitization. The performance was well-received and successfully drew attention to the issues and challenges linked to crimes against women.
The Good Boy Campaign targets delinquents with the goal of instigating a transformation in their behaviour and attitudes. Through gender sensitization, these individuals will undergo a shift in their actions, taking into account the positive attributes of women and recognizing the value they bring to both family and society. This process facilitates a rationalization of their conduct, allowing them to relinquish any egocentric views within the context of gender relations. Instead of reacting negatively to women’s actions, these delinquents will learn to exercise patience and restraint while adopting a more positive perspective.
Hence, the campaign will persist in educating and sensitizing inmates to foster empathy and promote respect for women’s experiences. This, in turn, will contribute to the creation of a safer and more equitable society where individuals of all genders can live without fear or discrimination.
