Could G20 make a statement to decriminalize homosexuality? Asks Y20 Youth Leader
Pune, 11th March 2023: How can we make the 21st century global society a safer place for women and LGBTQ+ community as well, a world where people steer the wheels of progress forward, without gender being a wall which erects divisions among peoples? Panelists at the fourth Y20 Consultation Meeting, being held at the Symbiosis International University (SIU) in Pune today, in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, explored various facets of the issue of Gender Related Conflict. The two overall themes of the meeting were Peacebuilding and Reconciliation – Ushering in an era of no war – The philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation and 21st Century Skills.
Y20 is an official consultation forum for youth from all G20 member countries to be able to have dialogue with each other. The theme for the fourth Y20 Consultation is ‘Peace building and Reconciliation: Ushering in an Era of No War- the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Climate Action is one of the six sub themes of the consultation.
“Gender Sensitization to be part of School Curriculum”
Ms. Trisha Shetty, Activist for Human Rights and the Founder of SheSays in France starts off the discussion by mentioning the inhuman status of women in Afghanistan and proceeds to talk about statistical figures regarding violence against women. She suggested that to combat gender violence, gender sensitization should be part of the school curriculum and the rights of the minorities be protected.
“Respect multiple gender identities”
Mr. Rajesh Shriniwas, Executive Director at Sangama, Gender Rights and Sexual Minorities acknowledged India’s big step towards decriminalizing homosexuality back in 2018. He stressed on the importance of LGBTQ+ community having the freedom and legal right to hold relationships with same gender. He emphasized on the crucial need of respecting the multiplicity of identities and standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community to bring the changes in the society.
“Need Gender Policy Reforms at Global Level”
Ms. Karimot Odebode, Founder and Project Lead of Black Girl’s Dream Initiative at Ibadan, Nigeria talked about the grave gender imbalance existing in society. Issues such as female genital mutilation, derogatory policies on the female body made by men and the rage against the feminist movement were discussed. Ms. Karimot stressed on the need for more female representations in leadership positions, for gender policy reforms across the globe.
“Improve Reporting of Gender Crimes”
On successful implementation of laws and policies regarding gender violence, Ms. Karimot Odebode suggested that the government should take a more active role in the implementation of policies. Ms. Trisha Shetty added that no law can be successfully implemented until the crimes are being actively reported.
On the reason behind the marginalization of the transgenders. Rajesh Shriniwas answered that the reason is in large part the colonized mindset. He further deliberated that in Indian culture, the desire for same sex is not alien. The colonized mindset forced shame around the issue.
On windows of opportunity and policy recommendations, Ms. Karimot Odebode proposed a gender transformative curriculum in schools. She highlighted the importance of leaders being accountable for their actions and seeing forth the implementation of gender policy beyond the talks and promises.
Mr. Rajesh Shrinivas proposed G20 to make a statement to 64 countries to decriminalize homosexuality.
The session was moderated by Sana Vaidya, a professional working in the field of International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies.
The audience at the Consultation Meeting comprised young delegates, winners from competitions, invitees and students from India and G20 countries.
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