National Conference “Mentality” by SIF Movement Paves the Way for Gender Neutral Laws and Men’s Rights
August 16 , 2024 : ( AVAJ APKI NEWS )
Chandigarh / Zirakpur : The National conference “Mentality” hosted by SIF (Save Indian Family ) Chandigarh, a conglomerate of NGOs working on men’s issues, concluded successfully on 16 August at Hotel Sunday, Zirakpur. Over 20 NGOs from across India and more than 160 men’s rights activists participated in the 2-day conference, making it one of the largest gatherings on men’s issues in the country.
The conference aimed to address pressing issues such as misuse of gender-based laws, men’s mental and physical health, rehabilitation of homeless men, need for shelter homes for men victims of domestic violence, and the need for gender-neutral laws. Eminent speakers, brainstorming sessions, panel discussions, open mic sessions, and fun activities marked the event.
Mr. Satya Pal Jain, a two-time MP and presently serving as Additional Solicitor General, Union of India, graced the event as the Guest of Honour. He resonated with the concerns of the participants, acknowledging that certain laws are being misused against men, posing a threat to the life and liberty of innocent citizens. Mr. Jain appreciated the efforts of the participating NGOs in addressing these issues.
Mr. Ojaswee Sharma, a National award-winning film director, was also present as a special guest and speaker. He emphasized the significant role of cinema in raising social issues and highlighted the responsibility of the film fraternity to present balanced views through their films.
Famous bikers Dr. Amjad Khan and Sandeep Pawar, who recently completed a 16,000 km bike ride across India raising awareness on men’s issues, were felicitated for their work.
The conference saw exchange of thoughts between men’s activists, people from legal fraternity, media and film persons and eminent persons from across fields, united in their quest for gender equality and justice. The magnificent conference emerged as a platform for men’s rights activists to share their experiences and concerns.
Rohit Dogra, head of SIF Chandigarh, said, “This conference is a significant step towards reaching out to lawmakers to make laws gender-neutral and curb the blatant misuse of laws.”
Amit Lakhani, president of Men Welfare Trust, an NGO from Delhi raised concerns over blatant misuse of gender-based laws and said that in the new laws BNS, BNSS, BSA there has been no efforts by the law makers to make the laws gender neutral and bring in checks to curb the misuse, it’s a lost opportunity to amend the laws as per the needs of the society and to ensure gender justice.
A resolution was passed, and a memorandum of demands was released, including:
– Amendments to gender-based laws to make them gender-neutral
– Strong provisions to punish those who misuse laws and file false cases
– Formation of a constitutional body like the National Commission for Men
– Laws for mandatory shared parenting
The memorandum will be sent to the PMO, Law Ministry, Law Commission, and other concerned offices.
