On September 5th and 6th, 2024, Sathiya Welfare Society along with other social sector organizations of the Madhya Pradesh had participated in a two-day Training of Teachers (ToT) workshop, organized by Madhya Pradesh Police at MP Police Academy in Bhopal. The training program was organized under Community Oriented Policing (COP) scheme to understand the role of Nagar and Gram Raksha Samitis in preventing of gender-based violence. So, the theme of the program was “Jimmedar Mardangi.”
Organized by: Madhya Pradesh Police
The event was graced by the presence of Shri Anil Kumar, ADG, Community Policing & Welfare, Dr. Vineet Kapoor, DIG, Community Policing, Shri Amrit Meena, AIG, Community Policing and a well-known gender Trainer as resource person Ms. Sarika Sinha, UN Women Representatives in MP Ms. Joyatri and Mr. Jitendra. With 40 police officers from various divisions of MP Police and around 80 representatives from various organizations, around 120 participants attended the workshop including Ms. Smriti, Mr. Sandeep K Suman and Mr. Mangilal Jadhav from Sathiya Welfare Society.
Key Sessions and Insights
1. Program Structure and Dynamics
DIG Community Policing Dr. Vineet Kapoor led the introductory sessions, explaining the program’s structure, the training facilitation process, and the workshop dynamics. His sessions provided valuable knowledge into how community policing can enhance gender sensitivity and awareness at the grassroots level across state.
2. Objective of the Workshop
Ms. Sarika Sinha, the gender trainer for the program, laid out the objectives of the two-day training program, which centered on raising awareness about Jimmedar Mardangi and Gender Equality. She emphasized that the goal of the workshop was to empower members of the gram and nagar Raksha samiti to play a key role in preventing gender-based violence and promoting gender awareness within the communities.
- Activities such as the “Who is the Killer?” session were conducted, which provided a critical analysis of the role of gender socialization in shaping masculinity. Participants discussed how societal norms of masculinity not only affect women but also place burdens on men.
3. Understanding Gender Violence and Madhya Pradesh Gram Raksha Samiti Act
AIG Community Policing Shri Amrit Meena provided a detailed session on the Madhya Pradesh Nagar evam Gram Raksha Samiti Act of 1999. He explained the act’s rules and regulations through a PPT presentation, discussing the operational guidelines for the Raksha Samitis. Additionally, domestic violence and its various forms were discussed.
To further explain gender discrimination, a video was shown that illustrated how boys and girls are socialized differently, often against their personal wishes. The video linked back to the morning session’s activities, demonstrating how societal norms creates gender bases divisions.
- A comprehensive discussion followed on the difference between biological gender and social gender, encouraging participants to question and analyse how gender roles are created and maintained by society.
4. Masculinity and Social Perceptions
Two video clips were shown to highlight the societal expectations around masculinity, prompting a discussion about how society dictates certain “masculine” behaviour’s to prove one’s manhood. Participants explored how these norms often pressure men to conform to rigid definitions of masculinity.
Data on violence against women across Madhya Pradesh was presented by Joyatri and Jitendra from UN Women representatives in MP, providing a sobering reminder of the current status of gender-based violence in the region.
Day Two Activities: Folklore, Proverbs, and Action Plan
5. Cultural Insights into Masculinity
On the second day, participants from different regions shared local folklore, proverbs, films, and songs that reflect societal expectations of masculinity. This led to group discussions and the creation of short street plays to illustrate how these cultural elements shape gender roles. Each group performed a short skit on gender-based issues and their relation to masculinity, generating much engagement and reflection.
6. Action Plan for Engagement
An action plan was developed by grouping of participants in divisions (Bhopal, Bhopal Dehat, Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Indore, Rewa-Shahdol etc.) for future engagements with the Raksha Samitis, focusing on how to conduct awareness programs at the community level. Teams presented their strategies for creating impactful sessions with Raksha samitis in different districts.
The two-day workshop proved to be highly effective in advancing the vision of community policing and building awareness around gender-based violence and responsible masculinity.
Representing Sathiya Welfare Society, President Ms. Smriti and Program Manager Mr. Sandeep Kumar Suman & Development Executive Mr. Mangilal Jadhav actively participated in the workshop, contributing to the discussions and sharing their strategies in tackling gender issues at the community level.
Conclusion
This Training of Teachers (ToT) was an integral part of the larger mission of Madhya Pradesh Police’s community policing efforts and laid the foundation for further collaboration between police authorities and social sector organization to foster gender equality and combat gender-based violence at the community level with the help of Nagar evam Gram Raksha Samitis. The workshop was a significant step towards activating & empowering local Raksha Samities to act as champions of Jimmedar Mardangi and Gender Awareness.
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