Seth Anandram Jaipuria Model United
Nations
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER
UN Information Center
For India And Bhutan
This year at SAJMUN, we simulated a setting which enabled delegates to
explore the intricacies of geopolitics and international relations besides
providing an experience that gave the delegates a valuable insight into the
functioning of the United Nations and its subsidiary organs. We further
accentuated this enriching experience for delegates by simulating an
environment that propelled the use of diplomacy, honed leadership qualities,
promoted consensus building, necessitated quality research and above all- laid
the foundation for the eventual transformation of an Indian civilian into a global
citizen. With a collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre for
lndia and Bhutan and support of the noble HeForShe campaign, we ensured that
the emphatic voice of the youth does not go unheard, rather it successfully
reaches the highest echelons of our society- the United Nations itself. At
SAJMUN 2019, we organized seven committees which aimed at highlighting
diverse topics-the world finds most essential to discuss-ranging from matters of
historical importance to current issues. The committees did not only test the
delegates’ research, diplomacy and oratory skills but also provided them with an
unparalleled educational experience. They displayed their talent of diplomacy
and ingenuity at a level where they faced immense competition. At our annual
MUN conference this year, we witnessed the participation of more than 280
delegates and more than 25 schools with talent meeting diplomacy and
enthusiasm reaching its acme. We hope to give you an insight to the same biting
and gripping extravaganza with our official newsletter — “THE SAJMUN
TIMES".
Happy reading!
The major objective of any Model United Nations is to
lead the thought process of its participants from narrow
nationalism to wide globalism by providing them with a
kaleidoscopic view. Our young leaders are free to put forth
their views across number of issues presented before them,
giving them the opportunity to explore the complexities of
geopolitics and international relations. For the students, of
the students and by the student is our motto that further
pushes us to deliberate their views in order to see the
world at the represented pace.
-Mrs.Shikha Banerjee,Principal
Seth Anandram Jaipuria model United Nations came
into having in the year 2015. Model United Nations
conferences aim at widening the mindset of the
students and at putting their decision-making skill to
test. These conferences serve as an apposite platform
for the holistic development of the students. This year
at SAJMUN, the delegates came well-prepared and
active participation was witnessed in all committees.
Swami Atmashraddhananda was the guest of honor for
the conference. The experience was extremely
informative, educative and stimulating for the
delegates.
-Mrs.Kavita Ojha Tiwari, HOD, Social Science
My Vision was to make SAJMUN a forum where
delegates achieve an unparalleled learning
experience that motivates them to take the world to
new heights.l envision SAJMUN as a platform
where every delegate, whether inspired by the
Secretariat, the EB, or even a moderated caucus on
a particular issue in committee, takes the
opportunity and passionately pursues it. After two
days of intense debating and ruminating, I can say
that what envisaged came true.
-Mehul Rastogi, Secretary General
This year at SAJMUN 2019, it is my belief
that we achieved in providing the delegates
the holistic experience that the Executive
Board and the Organizing Committee
aimed for. The committees were a success
when it came to delving into the
international community about agendas
and conflicts that are deeply rooted in
history, and are shaping our lives today.
Our theme for this year’s conference was
Gender Equality and Equality of
Opportunity, which is gradually coming
out into the open and is being addressed on various platforms. In the end, I knew
that we had successfully Conceived, Concurred, and Convinced.
-Adwiti Singh, Director General Each year, SAJMUN transcends to a new level by bringing about
dynamic changes in the
organization of the conference and the committees that are simulated.
This year too, in a bid to save humanity from being butchered by
us, humans, we decided to
deliberate on agendas like the Kurdish Conflict, mobocracy in
India, the 9/11 attacks, etc. in order to sensitise the participants
to such issues and concurrently
draft solutions for the same. The theme for this year’s conference was “Gender Equality” , in the wake of which, we
designed a form named “Viva La Resistance” in order to delve into the conditions
undergone by the victims of gender discrimination and curate methods in order to nip the cataclysmic issue from the grassroot level.
Thus,it was nothing short of true honor serve as the Director General of such a noble conference.
-Harleen Narang, Director General
SWAMI ATMASHRADDHANANDA
This year, we had the honour of having Swami Atmashraddhananda as the
Guest Of Honour for our conference. The enlightened mystic, Indian Yogi and
author is a monastic member of the Sri Ramkrishna Math and Mission. The
renowned being has been serving as the guide for Vivekananda Study Circle at
llT Madras for the past nine years. He is also the editor of Vedanta Kesari, a
cultural and spiritual monthly of the Ramkrishna organisation. Known far and
wide for his adeptness and excellence in his oration, he's honoured a lot of
prestigious institutions from around the world with his presence. A fount of
spiritualism, he delivers sermons on Upanishads and allied subjects. His
sublime insights into the human mind and the world, in general have garnered
him recognition throughout the world.
His extensive knowledge of philosophical subjects, aided by years of
impeccable experience left the delegates enthralled.
PRESS CORPS About The Press Corps
The Press Corps aims to deliver a first rate newsletter for the reading of the
delegates and the Secretariat. Each reporter has examined specific committees
and council activities where articles have been disseminated to all councils
throughout the conference via the daily newsletter published by the Press Corps
and the Secretariat.
Standing: L-R
Anandi Mehrotra Vrinda Tulsian Vansh Bhatia
(Asst. Head of Journalism) (Head of Journalism) (Asst. Head of Photography)
Priyansh Bhatia
(Asst. Head of Journalism)
Sitting: L-R
Divya Shroff Harleen Narang Omansh Agarwal
(Head of Caricature) ( Editor-In-Chief ) ( Head of Photography)
From the Executive Board For the Press Corps at SAJMUN 2019, we had exceptional reporters,
photographers and caricaturists alike. The photographers were rife with raw
talent and cutting edge skills. The journalists exhibited acuity and their articles
embodied the spirit of invincible verity and the caricaturists produced
masterpieces with dexterous strokes of their brushes. The combined effort of all
the Press Corps members is reflected in this newsletter and while all of the
participants still have a long way to go, they all did shine brilliantly at this
conference.
In a conventional news-agency simulation, the reporters would typically adopt
the perspectives and styles of classic editorial reporters. At SAJMUN,we had
decided to simulate a form of an associated press, in-house from United Nations
that would have, despite all liberties of thought and expression, an unbiased
fashion of reporting. Therefore, Press Corps members were not supposed to
write in-character for any news agency of nativity, but as International Press.
The reporters exhibited exemplary documentary propensity and sterling
scrutinizing skills during the simulation hours. Their quintessential debating
skills were also revealed when they were faced with a crisis. The reporters met
our premier standards and climacteric deadlines with acute robustness.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
AGENDA: Briefing of the Uri to the Prime Minister and strategizing
the future course of action with special emphasis on the need of a
Surgical Strike.
“The Fates with traitors do contrive.”
The committee commenced with the round of speakers which entailed an
expression of the views of the delegates on the Uri attacks. The delegates
deliberated and discussed the need for a surgical strike to end the war on
terrorism once and for all. Meanwhile, a number of crisis updates surfaced,
simultaneously. Two plans of action were introduced and notwithstanding that
they failed, they proved to be quite controversial. In the interim, the Law
Secretary, in a bid to take charge, suggested the bombing of the bunker in which
a terrorist was taking refuge. He proposed the use of Apache missiles of French
origin, which are customarily used for stealth performances and are among the
top contenders in weapons of mass destruction. The proposal proved to be
unpragmatic as those missiles are not suitable for the bombing of a small
bunker; besides, their production had not been materialized then. The Defence
Secretary observed two minutes of silence and sang the National Anthem
offering his condolences to the martyrs but, while this was being effectuated, an
army base was attacked and around 43 army personnel lost their lives. As a
result of these impetuous suggestions and proposals, the Law Secretary, the
RAW Secretary and the Defence Minister were gagged for a time period of 30
minutes, as they were collectively held responsible for the mounting numbers of
fatalities pertaining to the lives of the innocent and valiant Indian soldiers that
had been lost solely owing to negligence. To sum up, the session proved to be
quite enriching, leading to a cogent conclusion and instilling the love for our
nation in the hearts of the delegates.
Article by: Priyansh Bhatia
Assistant Head of Journalism
TIMELESS TERROR
Deafening noise and fastened heartbeats,
Chaos and bloodshed all over the streets.
Bombing all over the city,
Over in a minute but felt like an eternity.
Their houses were gone in the blink of an eye,
They witnessed their loved ones and dreams die.
No food and no place to go,
Their disbelief in humanity started to grow.
Agony and fear evident in their eyes,
So loud were the bombs that they silenced their cries.
It was not their fault,
Still they became the victims of this heinous assault.
The attack left the whole world devastated,
Not being able to find the perpetrator made everyone frustrated.
So many lives were lost,
But at what cost?
Terrorists are the demons of our time,
Every second they commit a crime.
They are truly sadistic in every sense,
Not even humanity, what they only know is offence.
The victims withered in pain,
The attack left them insane.
We urgently need to stop the terrorists’ rise,
Otherwise they would lead us to our demise.
Poem by:Divya Srivastava
Press Correspondent of Xinhua
ALL INDIA POLITICAL PARTIES MEET
AGENDA: Discussing mobocracy and lynching in India with
emphasis on dissemination of misinformation through social media
platforms.
“BJP vs Congress: none for the win.”
In the midst of purposeless debates on “Mandir-Masjid” and “Chowkidar-
Gandhi”, democracy has lost itself in the dirty hands of mobocracy who
has fed on bloodsheds and war, whose ideas of lynching destruct the
speech of truth. The word “secular” has lost its meaning, thus, every war is
a supposed consequence of ‘Islamic Territories within the Nation’ and
Hindu-Muslim enmity is no longer a British strategy to divide and rule but
our very own political strategy to be divided and ruled, not lead.
On the afternoon of the 21st of April, the delegates of the All India
Political Parties Meet gathered together in the conference room to discuss
about mobocracy and lynching in India with emphasis on dissemination of
misinformation through social media platforms because of the rising-fall
of the democracy and clean politics due to religious and gender
discrimination in the society following the Parliamentary rules of
procedure.
In the hullabaloo of the Religious Propagandas being discussed, it was,
faintly visible.While the delegates could be seen in their own rhythms,
Modi ji served a lot on the platter. Not disregarding the acumen-rich
answers to absolutely any questions asked in the committee, Nitin Gadkari
proved how easy it is for BJP to overcome crises and leave the Opposition
Party in perplexity which was well witnessed by the audience.
The committee revolved around certain delegates while the others
continued to amuse the Executive Board in some way or the other.
The AIPPM was a well choreographed chat show.
Article by: Floraa Dixit
Press Correspondent of El Mundo
Shourya Singh Ishan Gupta Anmay Khemkha
(Deputy Moderator) (Moderator) (Deputy Moderator)
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL
AGENDA-Right To Self-Determination Of States with special
emphasis on the Kurdish Conflict.
“An Unsettling War”
Kurds is the name of an ethnic group hailing from Western Asia in the
neighboring areas of Kurdistan. Most of them reside in Southeastern
Turkey, Northwestern Iran, Northern Iraq, and North Syria accounting
to a population of nearly 50 million. And as the areas suggest, the most
widely practiced religion among Kurds is Islam. Nearly 98% Kurds in
Iraq have been identified as Sunni Muslims, while the rest stand
recognized as Shia Muslims.
Owing to the fact that the Kurds have been facing a lot of oppression
and violence, they are demanding an independent nation.
Since they raised their voices, unimaginable atrocities are being
afflicted upon them. More than 5 million people have been killed,
displaced or forced to leave their homes. The support by the US
government is dwindling and the war seems perpetual.
To put a halt to the banality, the Executive Board ushered in a
crisis. The delegates rose to the occasion and handled the crisis with
perspicacity.
Article by: Meenakshi Chugh
Press Correspondent of The Independent
Yuvraj Kapoor Akshat Agrawal Anushka Chib
(Co-Vice President) (Co-Vice President) (President)
UNITED NATIONS COUNTER TERRORISM COMMITTEE
AGENDA:Effective implementation of Security Council
Resolution 1373.
“In the Shadow of the 9/11 Attacks”
History is laden with belligerent leaders using humanitarian rhetoric
to mask their own selfish geopolitical aims. History also shows how
ill-informed 'moralism' often ends up doing more harm than good. In
the aftermath of the terror attacks that sent shockwaves throughout the
United States of America and the rest of the world alike, the first ever
session of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee
commenced on the 28th of October, 2001. The international
community discerned the gravity of the situation and decided to
prepare a framework that would carefully define the extent and
measures that would be taken to ensure effective implementation of
resolution 1373.
As the committee moved into formal session, the delegate of Ukraine
defined terrorism and its manifestations, whereas the delegate of
Russia called for a joint campaign against terrorism by the global
community, while placing emphasis on the fact that the campaign
should be within the rules that have been enshrined in the United
Nations Charter. The delegate of USA claimed that terrorism would
be eradicated under President Bush’s leadership but failed to answer a
simple question about improvement of security on airports put up by
the delegate of Russian Federation. The committee outlined some of
the critical causes that had fuelled the rapid spread of terrorism over
sustained period of time, but contrary to the concept of “fruitful
discussion” that was being floated around, the discussion in the
committee hardly bore any fruit due to the enormous discrepancy of
opinions on the topics that were being brought up in the committee.
The delegates finally found common ground when they decided to
take up Resolution 1373 sub-clause by sub-clause, with the Achilles
Heel of terrorism, i.e. Finance being the first topic of discussion. The
delegate of Canada put light upon aspect of terrorism financing-
terrorists receive funds in numerous small transactions.
Article by: Ishatva Rajeev
Press Correspondent of The Guardian
That's How We Do It in Mother Russia
Winter has well and truly arrived in Russia. But alas, Nazi Germany
still hasn't.
Ten years after the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics, the Russian Federation is finding its feet in as a major
balance of power to the United States of America in the international
community.
Excerpts from an interview with the delegate of Russian
Federation:
Interviewer (The Guardian): How does border control in your country
prevent the movement of terrorists? How do your procedures for the
issuance of identity papers and travel documents support this?
Interviewee (Delegate of Russian Federation): In accordance with
sub-paragraph 2 of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001)
specifying that terrorists and terrorist groups should not be allowed to
move freely in its territory, the Federal Border Service of the Russian
Federation has established effective border control in the case of
persons who have been properly denied entry into the country.
The Federal Border Service receives its instructions from the law
enforcement agencies conducting intelligence investigations of
persons who have been prohibited from entering and leaving the
Russian Federation in the manner established by the laws of the
Federation.
TG*: What legislation or procedures exist for the denial of a safe
haven to terrorists, such as laws for excluding or expelling the types
of individuals referred to in the aforementioned subparagraph?
RF**: The Federal Act “On procedures for leaving and entering the
Russian Federation” establishes that alien and stateless people are
denied entry into the Russian Federation due to reasons of national
security or if during any previous stay in the country they were
sentenced under Russian legislation for the commission of serious or
particularly serious offences, which include terrorism. In accordance
with articles 2 and 5 of the Federal Act of 28 July 1996 “On
refugees”, terrorists cannot be recognized as refugees.
TG: What measures, if any, have been taken to prevent and suppress
the financing of terrorist acts in addition to those listed in response to
questions on sub-clauses 1(b) to 1(d) of resolution 1373?
RF: An inter-departmental working group on measures to prevent the
financing of terrorism has been set up in the Ministry of Finance of
the Russian Federation. It is composed of representatives of the
Federal Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Service of Tax Police, the Foreign
Intelligence Service, the Bank of Russia and the Procurator-General
of the Russian Federation. During the period when the Committee of
the Russian Federation on Financial Monitoring was being set up and
starting its actual work, the following questions were referred to this
working group:
– Interaction with overseas partners in the suppression of financing of
terrorism;
– Coordination of the activities of law enforcement agencies and
oversight organizations;
– Interaction with the Federal Counter-Terrorist Commission
*TG- The Guardian
**RF: Russian Federation
Interview by: Ishatva Rajeev
Press Correspondent of The Guardian
Don’t you hear, don’t you see?
Terrorism spread everywhere,
People have become callous, lacking humanity and care,
A gory sight with streams of blood,
Carcasses to be buried in mud,
How sinister can you be?
Don’t you hear, don’t you see?
The kind of havoc that you wreak,
Evil quite at its peak!
Dear man, what are you gaining by taking innocent lives?
Don't you think about the soldiers being missed by their loving kids?
Poem by: Vanya Jalan
Press Correspondent of The Wall Street Journal
Rajveer Singh Adwiti Singh Samriddhi Gupta
(Chairperson) (Chairperson) (Vice-Chairperson)
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL AGENDA:Discussing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda of
Sustainable Development with regard to gender equality.
“The Only rights you have in this world are the ones you are willing
to fight for”
The committee was highly strung after the crisis according to which
ICE, the department of immigration of the United States was
allegedly accused of torturing the Mexican immigrants along with
twenty seven cases of rape and murder. This led to a riotous march in
various cities for consolidation of rights of female immigrants. In
response, The President of Brazil delivered a highly controversial and
misogynistic speech supporting the United States of America.
Eventually, a protestant movement in St. Petersburg was quashed
with tear gas along with a few protestors being held captive. After the
presidential addresses given by USA, Brazil and Russia; Tunisia,
Mexico, China and a few others, completely agitated with the
countries turned against them criticizing them for their callous, brutal
and quite uncouth remarks. Austria blamed the Russian Federation for
being so sinister that they were ready to rape and murder the
immigrants since they seemed quite “unprofitable”. On a similar note,
Columbia expressed lugubriously that one cannot bring the dead back
and now they should take grave actions against the shameful incident.
A consensus was reached regarding the fact that the government
officers who committed this heinous crime should be publicly
executed. All in all, the committee went on with the debate
swimmingly, taking into account all the accusations with USA,
Russia and Brazil quite on the knife-edge.
Article by:Vanya Jalan
Press correspondent of The Wall Street Journal
Divi Kaya Akshita Gupta Shreeya Goenka
(Vice-President) (President) (Vice-President)
SPECIAL POLITICAL AND DECOLONIZATION AND COMMITTEE
AGENDA: Resolving the issue of ‘Non-self-governing territories’ with
special emphasis on the 73rd and 74th article of the United Nations
Charter.
The committee commenced on a positive note discussing measures for resolving
the issue of non-self-governing territories with special emphasis on the 73rd and
74th article of the UN Charter. Qatar, in its laconic speech elucidated on the
meaning of self-governing territories giving its own example of attaining self-
government on 3rd September, 1971. Belgium enumerated the seventeen non
self-governed territories while Nigeria targeted corruption for being the root
cause of poverty in these territories. The delegate of Germany proposed how the
non-self-governing territories have diversified problems pertaining to economic
and social platforms which are in dire need of solutions. The United Kingdom
vehemently protested saying that United Kingdom has affable relations with all
the territories it administers and has taken every possible measure to protect
them and preserve their interests at large. Also, it was in favor of a referendum
being held in all those territories if they were not satisfied with autocracy. Qatar
raised a motion to enter into a moderated caucus to discuss sustainable
development goals taken up by countries to improve conditions in the non-self-
governing territories. The United Kingdom suggested to increase the economic
sanctions being given to the non- self-governed territories. Russia explained
how the non-self-governed territories are vulnerable to various calamities and
catastrophes, having been colonized for years. It aimed at preservation of
human rights, however, it concluded by saying that in the course of achieving
self-determination, the interests of the citizens should be taken into
consideration and the essence of humanity should not be lost. The situation in
the committee was tense with all the delegates debating on the pros and cons of
self-government, heading towards a better future.
Article by:Meha Shukla
Press Correspondent of The New York Times
Suryansh Agarwal Abhishri Swarup Vatsal Lahoti
(Vice-Chairperson) (Chairperson) (Vice-Chaiperson)
Viva la résistance The history is not black or white. It is interspersed with hues
of grey.
For too long, men, women and LGBTQI have remained
victims to a propaganda, simulated by man himself.
For too long, the shackles of Gender inequality have barred us
from becoming true judges of character.
For too long, women have silently suffered all over the world.
Some, from behind the door, and some, in a corporate room.
For too long, masculinity has been glorified as the ruler of
mankind, and men have been influenced into believing that
they need to obscure all vulnerability.
For too long, have people been forced to hide their identity,
for the fear that the society might not accept them.
We are not free, until the time our silence crowds our ears.
In keeping with the theme of this year’s Model UN
conference-“Gender Equality” and successive support of the
HEFORSHE campaign, we drafted a survey (google form)
that entailed objective questions regarding ‘gender
discrimination’ that people of varying age groups and
different genders face in the daily walks of life. The aim of
this Mass Research Programme was to selectively curate
methods so as to how we can build a discrimination-less
society amongst us, necessarily focussing on the grassroot
levels of the problem.
Viva la résistance: ANALYSIS
In figure: Age Group Statistics
The following age groups are the ones that Viva La Resistance was
able to reach out to. Our maximum responses are from the age group
of 16-20.
In figure: Responses of people on whether they felt we have attained gender equality
A large majority felt that gender equality still has a long way to go.
Out of the multiple responses that have faced discrimination of the
basis of sex,
38.3% have faced discrimination at ‘home’
58% have faced discrimination at ‘school/college’
33.3% have faced discrimination at a ‘public place’
9.9% have faced discrimination in ‘other’ places
Out of the multiple responses about the person by whom they were
discriminated against,
38.3% have faced discrimination by a ‘Family member’
38.3% have faced discrimination by a ‘teacher’ or a ‘mentor’
22.2% have faced discrimination by a ‘friend’ or an
‘acquaintance’
27.2% have faced discrimination by a ‘relative’
In figure: Chart depicting the frequency of discrimination
In figure: Chart depicting the fractions of people who have faced
discrimination on the basis of gender\
FEMALE:
10.4 % of the women felt that they were not encouraged to
pursue sports in school or beyond
13.4% were looked down upon by associates for indulging in
sports related activities
11.9% were influenced to choose arts/ biology due to the
societal notions associated with the subjects; 4.5% were
discouraged from choosing STEM Subjects
38.3% were harassed for their complexion, body figure, height
34.3% were criticized on the basis of clothing worn
6% were asked to not report cases of domestic violence
6% felt that cases of sexual harassment were not taken seriously
7.5% were not considered for authority positions
6% faced high pay gap
17.9% were not offered the equal employment opportunities
10.4% were subjected to harsh living conditions as a result of
traditional beliefs
19.4% responded that they faced discriminatory comments due
to the stigmas and myths associated with the menstrual cycle
19.4% responded that display of feelings was wrongfully
blamed to be the after-effect of Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
and was not taken seriously
13.4% were treated harshly for talking with their male
counterparts (colleague, friend)
31.3% were expected to not be frank in their speech
37.3% were refrained from doing tasks that require strength
32.8% chose the ‘any other’ option
MALE:
16.7% were expected to be inclined towards jobs having societal
notions of being 'male oriented' e.g. Armed Forces, Engineering,
Information Technology, Sports (cricket, football)
16.7% were expected to take the responsibility of their entire
household
33.3% were wrongfully alleged of a crime/indecent act by
another gender
41.7% were asked to not express their emotions openly
33.3% were subjected to corporal punishment whereas the same
mistake was ignored for the female counterpart
16.7% were looked down upon for wanting to pursue certain
carriers/interests (fashion designing, cooking, dance, etc.)
16.7% were expected to be naturally inclined towards sports
8.3% were expected to be naturally good at STEM Subjects
OTHER:
33.3% were not given recognition by parents & relatives
regarding sexual orientation
33.3% were denied public accommodation (buying or renting
houses and/or properties)
100% were mentally, physically and socially harassed by
associates/employers/relatives
66.7% faced sexual assault
We would love your suggestions and your opinions. Let us all
contribute to a safe space for all genders!
Correspond with us at [email protected]
Analysis by: Adwiti Singh
Our 18 commandments for making the world a safe space
for women:
Charity begins at home. Make sure you are not endorsing double
standards, or stereotypes. The people who live around you must see you
as an enforcer of equal rights. Inspire us!
Encourage wide horizons to all girls vis-a-vis education
STEM(Science,Technology,Engineering, Mathematics). These subjects
might appear daunting at first, but it is only because years and years of
overburdening patriarchy has created the notion that girls are required to
be ‘perfect ‘ in everything they do , rather than being brave. Educate
people who endorse this toxic notion.
The Era of the Resistance
Make your workspace a place of mutual respect, and equality.
Employment criteria in public places must include the concepts and
guidelines about gender inequality, so that the workers can educate
themselves about their rights and duties to a safe atmosphere.
Identify and educate your friends, and colleagues whenever they are
displaying double standards or enforcing gender stereotypes
Request your mentors to check themselves from enforcing a biased
outlook.
Speak up against rampant discrimination. The frequency of the bigotry
increases if it is not pointed out the first time
Sports and physical activities should neither forced upon women nor
should they be discouraged to pursue them.
A woman’s career must not be defined by others, and most importantly, it
shouldn’t be limited to ‘easy’ choices
Personal space and privacy should be respected
Societal adherence to orthodox standards of ‘beauty’ and external
appearance must be discarded, if we are to accept each other’s
individuality.
Cases of harassment must be given primary importance. They should be
reported to the right authorities and strict action must be taken against the
perpetrators.
‘Equal pay for equal work’ is a concept.
Equal consideration for employment
Discard traditional beliefs associated with menstrual health and hygiene
We must not correlate the feelings of a woman with the onset of with Pre
Menstrual Syndrome. Generalizations such as these are responsible for
the establishment of a toxic atmosphere that allows gender insensitive
remarks.
Upto a certain level, our society expects women to curb their ambitions.
Women are often looked down when they are frank or straight with their
speech.
Toxic masculinity is a problem that must be addressed by men and
women both. This must not transcend into male-bashing, but women (and
men) should no longer tolerate this acerbic behavior. ‘Toxic masculinity’
is also addressed ahead in the report.
What women want
We want to flaunt that red dress and don it without shame, we don't want someone to tear it from our chest and call us names.
We want to talk to men and hang out with our friends,
we don't want someone to surmise that we are under Cupid's spell.
We want to be independent and live with our head held high,
we don't want someone to tell us that we'll share Icarus' fate and plummet to the
nadir from the blue sky.
We want to be pretty-pretty brilliant and pretty at heart,
we don't want someone to call us too fat, too skinny or too dark.
We want equality of status, of opportunity and of prize,
We don't want someone to be strangled by the sex depicting "frailty", for
believing otherwise.
Poem by: Vrinda Tulsian
Toxic masculinity is a problem that must be addressed by men and women both.
This must not transcend to male-bashing, but women (and men) should no
longer tolerate acerbic behaviour. But what is toxic masculinity? Where does it
have its origins? For long, thinkers and philosophers have pondered over this
question itself. When John Locke gave his ‘Blank Sheet Theory’, a deep insight
into the human mind- the world knew. If a human being was the result of only
his experiences and was not defined by their role in the heirarchy, if the mind
was just a blank sheet, jotting down what is passed on to us by our
surroundings, then isn’t inequality just a social custom that is being passed
around through generations to benefit the perpetrators’ mindsets? A mindset
that portrays feminity as weak, and masculinity as superior. A mindset that
indulges in and endorses stereotypes. A mindset that does not allow the creation
of a physical and mental safe space around it. That, is what toxic masculinity is.
When Gender Equality is not a privilege, but a right, everyone benefits. If we
raise our sons and our daughters in a similar manner, teaching them the values
of ‘consent’ and ‘sensitivity’ and ‘mutual respect’, this world can indeed be
made a beautiful place to live in. Godspeed.
Article by: Adwiti Singh
TEAM Viva la résistance
Adwiti Singh Vrinda Tulsian
[email protected] [email protected]
Harleen Narang Gesna Sonkar
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are indebted to Gesna Sonkar-our tech whiz- without whom this
newsletter could not have been published. We must extend our
heartfelt gratitude towards Adwiti Singh for furnishing us with an
exemplary analysis of Viva La Resistance. We are also thankful to
Ishan Gupta and Suryansh Agarwal for helping us in designing the
layout for the newsletter.
Lastly, we would like to thank ma'am Kavita Ojha Tiwari for her
guidance and unwavering support and Ma'am Manisha Dwivedi for
her warmth and co-operation.
-Team Press Corps
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