On International Men’s Day, activists raise issues related to ‘battered half’

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, November 19

On International Men's Day today, several organisations came in support of the distressed men proposing formation of helplines and even separate commission for men in line with that of Women's Commission.

Kunal Aggarwal of Insaaf Awareness Movement, says, "Not just the commission, we have also been seeking men's welfare minister. There are 65 crore males in the country who do not have a law to protect themselves, especially if the complainant is a woman." The organisation is also seeking constitutional amendments and urging lawmaking authorities to protect the interests of men too.

Another activist Surinder Mittal said, "The theme for the day this year is 'Make a difference for men and boys'. When one in five men die before the age of 65; when men are the main victims of both men's violence and women's violence; when dads of all backgrounds face a range of challenges from juggling work and family to staying in their children's lives if they are separated; and when the majority of the homeless, imprisoned and long-term unemployed are men, everyday is not International Men's Day. One of the great ironies about men's issues is that while it is common for well-meaning people to tell men to talk, when we try and talk about men's issues, people are quick to close us down. International Men's Day is a time for many people to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and progress made by men in society. It is important to remember that everyday, men make many sacrifices to protect and provide for their families, and thereby make many positive contributions to the community, society, family, marriage, child care and the environment. 

He adds, "Unfortunately, 98 per cent cases of domestic violence registered against men are fake. A man can be jailed for adultery but a woman can never be. Around 53 per cent rape cases filed against men are False. According to IPC 354, any woman can send a man behind bars by a simple verbal allegation. About 98 per cent of the cases filed under IPC 498 (A) Dowry Prohibition Act are found to be false. Every 9 miinutes, a married man is committing suicide in India," he claimed.