On November 19, 2024, Daaman, a prominent NGO dedicated to men’s rights advocacy, marked International Men’s Day with a thoughtfully organized event at Motijheel, Kanpur. The event, which took place near Rajiv Park, sought to highlight critical issues concerning men’s rights, gender equality, and the pressing need for societal reforms. It drew enthusiastic participation from morning walkers, local citizens, and volunteers who collectively championed the cause of creating an equitable society.
Engaging Activities for Awareness:
The event featured a variety of activities aimed at engaging the community and spreading awareness. A quiz designed for morning walkers encouraged participation while shedding light on topics such as gender equality and the challenges faced by men in India. Over 500 individuals, including senior citizens, young couples, and professionals, stopped by to participate, learn, and contribute to meaningful discussions.
To cater to the health needs of the elderly, a discounted health check-up camp was organized in collaboration with Thyrocare and its associated partners. This initiative was well-received, with many senior citizens availing themselves of the service.
Volunteers from Daaman and Save India Family (SIF) movement were actively involved, distributing pamphlets about the men’s distress helpline (8882498498) and promoting mental wellness resources. The pamphlets emphasized Daaman’s decade-long efforts in supporting victims of legal misuse and safeguarding men’s rights.
Addressing Misuse of Laws and Advocating for Reforms:
The event served as a platform to discuss the growing misuse of gender-specific laws in India. Participants raised concerns about false cases filed against husbands and their families, hefty alimony demands, and fabricated allegations of sexual harassment, often leading to out-of-court settlements involving significant monetary sums.
Quoting recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), speakers highlighted the alarming increase in cases of legal misuse and its devastating impact on men's lives, including rising suicide rates. Supreme Court directives on preventing the misuse of laws designed to protect women were also discussed, emphasizing the need for a balanced and unbiased judicial system.
One of the key demands reiterated during the event was the establishment of a Men’s Commission in India. “If we can have commissions to safeguard the interests of women and children, why not a Men’s Commission to address issues faced by half the population?” asked Manish Srivastava, a Daaman volunteer.
Additionally, participants proposed making the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” campaign more inclusive by broadening its scope to “Baccha Bachao Baccha Padhao,” emphasizing the need for gender-neutral policies. One of the senior citizens raised his concerns that in our society he has seen that male kids leave education more often to support their family income which is never been addressed by any media platforms and policy makers as everyone shifted their focus to a single gender for vote-bank.
Daaman’s Role in Supporting Victims:
Over the years, Daaman has emerged as a beacon of hope for men wrongfully accused of crimes. Every Saturday at 4 PM, the NGO conducts meetings at Kaushik Park, Civil Lines, Kanpur, where victims are provided with legal knowledge, emotional support, and guidance to navigate court proceedings. These sessions have been instrumental in empowering individuals to stand resilient against adversity.
At the event, volunteers also shared anecdotes of how Daaman has transformed lives by supporting victims and spreading awareness about legal rights. “Men are often the silent sufferers in our society. It’s high time we create a dialogue to address their issues,” said Anupam Dubey, a prominent activist associated with Daaman.
Fostering a Dialogue on Gender Equality:
The celebration of International Men’s Day provided a unique opportunity to foster conversations about the social stigma surrounding men’s issues. Discussions delved into how the misuse of laws and societal biases have contributed to the erosion of trust within families.“The rising suicide rates among men in India are a clarion call for urgent action. Neglecting this issue will only deepen the crisis,” remarked Dheeraj Rajpal, another volunteer.
Participants expressed their hope for a society that values equality and fairness. “True gender equality can only be achieved when both men and women are treated with fairness and dignity,” noted Mayank Bajpai, reflecting the collective sentiment.
Media Coverage and Conclusion:
The event, held from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, received extensive coverage from local media outlets, including Dainik Jagran and Amar Ujala. The enthusiastic response from participants, coupled with the tireless efforts of volunteers such as Anupam Dubey(Co-Founder), Dheeraj Rajpal, Atul Shukla, Ankit Dwivedi, Mayank Bajpai, Manish Srivastava, and others, ensured its success.
Daaman’s commitment to men’s rights advocacy continues to grow stronger. This event not only highlighted pressing issues but also reinforced the need for a united effort to create a more inclusive and equitable society. As echoed by a participant, “Empathy and awareness are the first steps toward change.”
A well-said Quote by Martin Luther King Jr who took inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi had said once while he was fighting against racism in the United States of America - "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere".The call for action has been made. It’s time for society to listen that our future of Indian society is what we are designing today, let's recognise men's rights as men are human too.
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