Topic: Role of women and women’s organization.
Q1. Examine the societal and institutional factors responsible for the normalisation of gender-based violence in India. How can intersectional and gender-sensitive approaches help dismantle this normalisation? (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question
Recent high-profile incidents of sexual violence and increasing public scrutiny over state and societal responses have reignited concerns around systemic normalisation of gender-based violence in India.Key Demand of the question
The question requires identifying both societal and institutional causes that contribute to the acceptance or invisibility of gender-based violence and explaining how intersectional, gender-sensitive frameworks can counter such normalisation.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Start with a sharp observation on the pervasiveness of GBV in India despite legal protections, showing a disjunct between norms and justice.Body
- Societal factors: Mention patriarchal family norms, honour culture, toxic masculinity, caste-based discrimination, and media portrayal that perpetuate GBV.
- Institutional factors: Point to gaps in policing, judicial delay, under-implementation of laws like POSH, lack of gender budgeting, and data insufficiency.
- Role of intersectional and gender-sensitive approaches: Show how recognising multiple identities, using gender-disaggregated data, inclusive education, and community-based models can address deep-rooted violence.
Conclusion
End with a solution-oriented note highlighting that legal reform must be accompanied by cultural transformation and intersectional governance.
