6 ways you can help minimize rape on an individual level

Terminologies like rape culture, feminism, gender stereotypes are getting complicated day by day. It is not unusual to see people belonging to varied age groups debating and discussing these topics. We often hear these terms on social media, which is now the loudest voice of the teenagers. The best part is the existence of these discussions, debates, and the amplification of these voices. People are actively participating in such discussions. Many of them are putting forward their views and ideas on such topics. After generations of silence and "hush lower your voice," when it came to such issues, this new way of openly speaking up is a step ahead.‌We keep on hearing things like, "implement stricter laws and include proper sex education in the syllabus" after every saddening incident. However, we should also focus on steps that can be taken on an individual level to stop or at least minimize the rape culture.Here are 6 ways you can help minimize rape on an individual level

1) EXPRESS

As we mentioned earlier, active participation and openness on such topics are crucial. Expressions go a long way when it comes to rape culture. Try making your thoughts and points when you talk on such topics. If you want to stand against something that happened to you, or maybe to someone else, go for it! Let not people who think "It's just for seeking attention and increasing followers" shut you up. If it's genuine, dare to speak up.

2) TRY UNDERSTANDING AND BREAKING HARMFUL GENDER STEREOTYPES:

Breaking stereotypes is one of the first steps. Stop using and supporting harmful stereotypical ideas that say, "Men have a natural sexual appetite and women should be home before it's dark." These stereotypes often lead us to the dark days. Even today, teenagers with a hazardous mentality think it's important to drink and eve tease to protect their masculinity. It's important to let boys and men know there's nothing better than being a good human to fit the non-existent "male norms ." Its time to understand, if you don't drink, or you choose to respect other genders, if you wear makeup, or choose not to eve tease, if you cry when you feel like, or choose a pink shirt; and if you amplify feminism, you will still be a man, or, you will be a better man.

3) MALE SENSITIZATION

For how long are we going to lock the jewelry in lockers, instead of catching the thief? We focus on the wrong gender. Learning self-defense is the second-best option. Male sensitization will always be the first best. We can go to the roots of this problem by implementing male sensitization. As a parent, student, teacher, friend, sister, or just as an individual, we can sensitize men. Educating and sensitizing men will lower the fear of women.

4) UNDERSTAND CONSENT

Consent is not very complicated. However, it is crucial to understand it in the right way. We can make the phrase "Ladki ke na me hi ha hoti hai" walk to its tombstone, by understanding consent. We keep asking for proper sex and sexual education in school syllabus, but until it finally comes into existence, what can we do? Let's try making each other understand the concept of consent. Stories, poems, writings, blogs, speeches, songs, movies, or maybe just a simple discussion can clarify the concept of consent. Keep sharing the Instagram posts and youtube videos that endure the efforts to explain the importance of the consensual act. As an adult, tell your loved ones to ask your permission, and ask theirs on every step of intimacy. A kiss doesn't always imply, your partner is ready for more

5) LOWER THE PEER PRESSURE.

Many times, having sex becomes an uncontrollable desire because the peers consider it prestigious. Male virginity and lack of intimate experience with females are often perceived shameful within a group of toxic people. We can lower this peer pressure by understanding and making understand the fact that sex is not and never was a prestigious status symbol. We can stop laughing at our friends when they talk about their virginity. All of us together can reduce this peer pressure.

5) STOP FALSE RAPE ALLEGATIONS.

Making and supporting false rape allegations will make it difficult for all the genders. Innocent men will suffer, and trusting real rape victims will be difficult due to such false allegations. Let's try understanding and reading more about the incident than directly believing. We should understand, supporting a false rape allegation can have adverse effects.

6) SUPPORT AND FORM NGOs.

We can keep demanding from the government, but we can also take individual steps for the change. We can donate and support the NGOs that help rape victims and survivors. Many of us participate in and organize various noble events through colleges and NSS . It makes us firm on the idea that we can individually take significant steps. We can form our groups that work similarly to NGOs. All we need is a group of good friends who are willing to contribute.

Lastly ,we hope you enjoyed reading 6 ways you can help minimize rape on an individual level