Gender Neutral Practice and Social Change

Amidst heated debates and shifting perspectives, the concept of gender neutrality emerges as a defining challenge of our time. This subject has sparked various debates regarding its relevance in our nation and the legal complexities surrounding its implementation. Especially noteworthy is the context of many developed countries recognizing gender-neutral laws that provide support and remedy irrespective of the victim's or perpetrator's gender or sexual orientation. To delve deeper into this issue, it is paramount to first comprehend its fundamental meaning.

Drawing from diverse sources, gender neutrality refers to the notion that language and other social institutions should avoid attributing roles based on an individual's sex, in order to prevent disparities stemming from the belief that certain social roles are more suitable for one gender over another.

This concept emphasizes the equal treatment of individuals socially, economically, and legally, without discrimination. Impartiality is often associated with behavior, attire, and other aspects of external expression. However, "gender neutral" can also describe a non-conforming sexual orientation identity. This multifaceted issue can be explored from three distinct perspectives, particularly through a legal lens.

Perspectives on Gender Neutrality

Firstly, from the viewpoint of women in India, it is evident that they have historically been a disadvantaged group, often exploited predominantly for power. The condition of women was dire from ancient times through to the late 1960s. In historical texts and Puranas, women were often equated with property. Manusmriti, an ancient legal text, dictated that a woman would be dependent on her father, then her husband after marriage, and eventually her sons. Women were not treated as individuals; instead, they were utilized as commodities to fulfill daily tasks. Leaving equality aside, they faced forced child marriage, isolation under the veil of Purdah, indeterminable widowhood, polygamy, female infanticide, violence, and were coerced into practices like Sati, culminating in the denial of their individuality.

However, the world's perspective on women gradually began to evolve. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru once remarked, "You can tell the state of a country by looking at the status of its women." The struggle for gender equality and the upliftment of women's status in India gained momentum in the twentieth century. Western-educated leaders like Mahatma Gandhi championed this cause by asserting that a woman is entirely equal to a man in every sense. During the struggle for independence, countless women, both educated and uneducated, housewives and widows, students and elderly, actively participated in India's freedom movement influenced by Gandhi. He, the father of this free nation that we inhabit today, advocated for women's rights during a time when women were confined to their homes and children. Gandhi had an unwavering belief in the inherent strength of women, emphasizing that "total liberation of women and her equality with man is the ultimate goal of our social progress, whose realization no power on earth can prevent."

Despite the strides made, the journey toward progress has been long and arduous. While there have been notable women like Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the first woman president of the United Nations General Assembly, and Savitribai Phule, who initiated India's first school for girls, many women continued to be perceived as inferior and subordinate to men. Although Indira Gandhi's tenure as Prime Minister of India was a victory for women in leadership, the nation under her rule still witnessed countless impoverished women whose lives saw little transformation during her term. India, in essence, remained similar to the times when goddess-like figures such as Sita had to defend themselves against accusations of unchastity and Draupadi lacked the agency to refuse the humiliation inflicted upon her by her brother-in-law. Women were objectified then, and in many respects, they continue to be today.

Towards Sexual Equality

Sexual equity essentially revolves around justice for all, irrespective of their background. It forms part of a broader societal transformation aimed at unveiling elements of social injustice and aiding the implementation of true justice in all aspects. However, sexual equity does not endeavor to remove gender from individuals. It does not imply denying the differences between women and men but rather acknowledging these differences and understanding their implications on lifetime opportunities.

The fight for equal status has led to numerous new programs and policies. Feminism has emerged as a powerful force advocating for gender neutrality, and it has evolved into a subject of academic study. This development enables individuals to learn about a crucial aspect of society that was previously overlooked. Beyond the binary genders, the recognition of a third gender has gained prominence, and communities like LGBT have begun to voice their opinions. "According to the National Human Rights Commission Report on living conditions of transgender people, 92% of India's trans individuals are unable to participate in any economic activity. Less than half of them have access to education, and 62% of those who do face abuse and discrimination." Supported by the Supreme Court, the decriminalization of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code signifies a small but monumental and noteworthy change.

Prominent organizations have also taken steps towards inclusivity. "Tata Steel, the first organization from the steel manufacturing industry to initiate an employee resource group for LGBTQ representatives, offers financial support for gender affirmation procedures, has constructed single-cubicle gender-neutral restrooms, and hired trans individuals through their workforce training program. Kochi Metro Rail also has a trans hiring program, with about 23 trans individuals in housekeeping and ticketing. In 2018, VLCC trained about two dozen trans individuals to be assistant beauty professionals."

Conclusion

In conclusion, gender neutrality is a complex yet crucial issue that demands attention and action. It challenges deeply ingrained societal norms and seeks to establish a more inclusive and equitable world for all individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. The journey towards achieving true gender neutrality is ongoing, requiring continued efforts from individuals, communities, and institutions. By recognizing and valuing the diverse experiences and identities of all individuals, we can work towards a society where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

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