A Day After Children's Day : Start The Dialogue - IIM Indore Mumbai Campus

Owing to the lack of open conversations at home, children face fear and shame after someone abuses them. More often than not, its someone they trust or someone their parents put on a pedestal. In a country like India, where parents emphasise so much on the safety of their daughters, the abuse undergone by young boys mostly go unnoticed - making them easy targets. One thing the perpetrators consistently count on is the inability of the child to have an open conversation with their guardians about sexual abuse. The awkwardness that we cultivate regarding sex somehow makes them feel guilty. The aura of shame that lurks over the subject is pushing kids to take on abuse and not utter a word.

This children's day, let's promise ourselves to have more open and honest conversations with our children. Let's take away the element of "shame" and create safe environments for children to open up, ask questions and seek help. Let's understand that it's not about sex, it's about violence and trauma. Let's break free from 'log kya kahenge'.

Happy children's day to you.