Devi urges teaching boys respect to curb violence against women in Nagaland

Nagaland activist Devi highlighted the urgent need to instill respect for women among young boys, arguing that early education can significantly lower the incidence of gender‑based crimes. She emphasized that societal attitudes toward women are shaped during childhood, and that schools, families, and community groups must work together to teach values of equality and non‑violence.

Devi pointed out that despite legal safeguards, crimes against women remain a persistent problem across the state. By targeting the mindset of boys before they reach adolescence, she believes the cycle of abuse can be broken, leading to safer public spaces and workplaces for women.

The call to action includes integrating gender‑sensitivity modules into school curricula, organizing workshops for parents, and launching media campaigns that showcase positive male role models. Devi urged policymakers to allocate resources for these initiatives, stressing that prevention is more effective than punitive measures after the fact.

Stakeholders from education departments and civil‑society groups have expressed support for the proposal, indicating that pilot programs may be rolled out in select districts later this year. The initiative aims to create a cultural shift that normalizes respect for women and discourages any form of harassment or violence.

If implemented widely, the strategy could serve as a model for other Indian states grappling with similar challenges, reinforcing the broader national agenda of gender equality and women's safety.