By AUN News Bureau | December 18, 2024
THE HAGUE, Netherlands —In the ever-evolving landscape of gender rights advocacy, Nandini Bhattacharjee has emerged as a trailblazer in a conversation often overlooked—men’s rights. A woman of many firsts, Nandini’s professional journey has been as dynamic as her activism. An alumna of Baghbazar Multipurpose Girls High School, Lady Brabourne College, and Calcutta University, where she completed her Master’s in Sociology, she further pursued an MBA in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from the National Institute of Personnel Management. Her career spans over a decade with a company of international repute, followed by years of managing her own PR firm. In addition to her corporate achievements, Nandini is a celebrated professional singer in Bengal, blending creativity with her advocacy work.
Today, she is best known as the President of the All Bengal Men’s Forum (ABMF), a pioneering organization addressing the challenges faced by men in India. Under her leadership, ABMF has introduced workshops for legal and psychological support, helpline numbers for men in distress, and innovative initiatives like the first-ever male cancer awareness program and the marathon for gender-neutral laws, Genathan 2019. These groundbreaking efforts have established her as one of India’s most prominent voices for men’s rights and gender-neutral legal reforms.
Nandini’s work is not about undermining the struggles of women but about seeking fairness for all genders. As she aptly states, “Equality is not about favouring one over the other; it’s about justice for everyone.”
The Beginning of a Movement: All Bengal Men’s Forum
Founded four years ago in Kolkata, the All Bengal Men’s Forum is one of the pioneering platforms in India advocating for men who face false allegations of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and rape. Nandini’s realization of the gaps in India’s legal framework motivated her to create a safe space for men to voice their struggles, seek legal help, and access counselling.
Her work began at a grassroots level, listening to real stories of men victimized by misuse of laws designed to protect women. She quickly noticed a disturbing trend: innocent men were being ostracized socially, financially ruined, and emotionally destroyed due to false cases.
“We cannot allow justice to be weaponized. Misuse of laws not only harms men but also dilutes the real struggles of women who genuinely need protection,” Nandini emphasizes.
The Issues at Hand: A Balanced Perspective
1. False Allegations and Legal Misuse
Nandini highlights the misuse of laws like Section 498A (dowry harassment) and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, which have been weaponized in many cases. While these laws were created to protect women, their loopholes often result in false cases being filed against men.
The consequences are severe—men face mental trauma, financial loss, and social stigma while fighting prolonged legal battles. Nandini’s forum provides both legal aid and emotional support to these individuals.
Her advocacy for penalties against false accusers and gender-neutral legal provisions aligns with progressive reforms seen in countries like Canada and Sweden, where laws protect all victims regardless of gender.
2. Domestic Violence Against Men
While domestic violence against women is widely acknowledged, male victims remain invisible in India. Nandini points out that men, too, suffer physical, emotional, and financial abuse at the hands of spouses, partners, or family members. Yet, the current laws do not recognize men as victims.
Globally, the issue is gaining attention:
- In Australia, the One in Three Campaign reported that one in three victims of domestic violence is male.
- In the UK, ManKind Initiative works to support male victims of abuse, challenging societal stereotypes.
- In the United States, studies show that male victims of sexual harassment often remain silent due to fear of ridicule or disbelief.
Nandini advocates for amendments to the Domestic Violence Act to ensure equal protection for male victims.
3. Psychological Impact and Rising Suicide Rates
The mental health crisis among men is one of the most alarming yet ignored issues today. According to available data, over 98,000 men in India die by suicide annually, with a significant percentage linked to family disputes, false allegations, and legal pressures.
Nandini observes:
“Men are conditioned to suppress their emotions and ‘stay strong.’ This toxic masculinity prevents them from seeking help, even when they desperately need it.”
The All Bengal Men’s Forum addresses this through counseling services and mental health support, encouraging men to seek help without shame or stigma.
A Personal Battle Against Societal Criticism
As a woman championing men’s rights, Nandini often faces criticism from those who misunderstand her mission. Feminist groups accuse her of being “anti-women,” while skeptics question her advocacy. However, Nandini remains steadfast:
“This is not a battle between people of all genders. It’s a fight for fairness, for equality before the law. Misuse of laws harms everyone, including women who genuinely need justice.”
Her journey is marked by resilience as she continues to challenge biases and misconceptions.
Real Stories: Humanizing the Cause
Behind every statistic is a story of struggle and survival. Nandini shares some of the cases her forum has handled:
- A 70-year-old man falsely accused of molestation when he accidentally fell on a young woman in a crowded bus. The incident shattered his dignity and peace of mind.
- A young husband accused of domestic violence over minor disputes, losing his job and family support as a result.
- Teenage boys who were harassed or assaulted but remained silent due to societal stigma and lack of legal recognition.
These stories reflect the urgent need for reforms and support systems to protect men from false accusations and emotional distress.
Global Comparisons: A Growing Conversation
Nandini’s advocacy aligns with international efforts to address gender bias and promote balanced legal systems:
- Australia: The One in Three Campaign raises awareness about male victims of domestic abuse and pushes for gender-neutral laws.
- Canada: Legal provisions have been revised to ensure equal protection for all victims of abuse and harassment.
- United Kingdom: Organizations like Families Need Fathers advocate for shared parenting rights and fair treatment of men in custody disputes.
These examples demonstrate how gender-neutral policies can promote fairness and justice without undermining women’s rights.
The Role of Media and Public Perception
Changing societal attitudes is one of Nandini’s greatest challenges. Media narratives often portray men as perpetrators and women as victims, reinforcing stereotypes that silence male voices. However, Nandini believes the media can be a powerful tool for change:
“The media has the power to amplify the struggles of marginalized groups. By shedding light on men’s issues, we can foster a more balanced and inclusive dialogue.”
Through interviews, public seminars, and awareness campaigns, Nandini is slowly changing the narrative and creating a platform for open conversations about men’s struggles.
The Future Vision: Building a Movement
Nandini’s vision for the All Bengal Men’s Forum extends beyond advocacy:
- Legal Reforms: Pushing for gender-neutral laws and strict penalties for false allegations.
- Awareness Campaigns: Conducting workshops, seminars, and roadshows to educate society about men’s rights.
- Mental Health Support: Establishing counselling centres and helplines for men facing emotional trauma.
- Collaboration: Partnering with international organizations to share best practices and build a global movement for men’s rights.
She envisions expanding the forum’s reach nationally and globally, fostering partnerships to address men’s issues comprehensively.
Why Nandini’s Work Matters: A Call to Action
Nandini Bhattacharjee’s advocacy for men’s rights is a reminder that gender justice cannot be one-sided. True equality requires fairness, empathy, and inclusivity for all. Her work highlights critical issues:
- The misuse of laws that victimize innocent individuals.
- The mental health crisis among men, exacerbated by societal stigmas.
- The lack of legal recognition for male victims of abuse.
Her fight is not against women but against injustice. By advocating for balanced laws and support systems, Nandini is paving the way for a more just and inclusive society.
“Men, fight for your rights—but do so with dignity, purpose, and hope,” she urges.
Advocacy Unified Network’s Strategic Support for All Bengal Men’s Forum
The pioneering initiative of the All Bengal Men’s Forum, led by Nandini Bhattacharjee, holds immense potential to address the gaps in gender justice and legal systems. Advocacy Unified Network (AUN), with its global focus on bridging policy and governance divides and driving transformative change, recognizes the urgency and importance of this cause. While the initiative remains firmly rooted in the vision and determination of the All Bengal Men’s Forum, AUN is uniquely positioned to provide the necessary tools, expertise, and international momentum to elevate it to a global platform.
Advocacy Unified Network’s Recommendations to Strengthen the Cause
Advocacy Unified Network (AUN), with its global expertise in public policy, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and transformative advocacy, recognizes the pioneering efforts of Nandini Bhattacharjee and the All Bengal Men’s Forum. To further strengthen and scale this initiative, AUN offers the following recommendations, aimed at addressing legal loopholes, promoting gender-neutral reforms, and expanding the movement globally:
1. Amending Existing Laws for Fairness and Gender Neutrality
AUN emphasizes the need for legal reforms to prevent misuse and ensure equitable protection for all genders:
- Gender-Neutral Rape and Sexual Assault Laws: Existing provisions, such as India’s Section 375 IPC, primarily define victims as women. Reforms to include all genders, similar to laws in Canada and the UK, would ensure fairness and justice for male victims as well.
- Revising the Domestic Violence Act: The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, should recognize male victims and ensure gender-neutral protections, creating an inclusive legal framework for all.
Global Precedent:
Countries like Canada and Sweden have successfully implemented gender-neutral laws, providing a roadmap for reforms that balance legal protections.
2. Introducing Penalties for False Allegations
Misuse of laws not only harms innocent individuals but undermines the credibility of genuine cases. AUN recommends:
- Enforcing perjury laws such as India’s Section 340 CrPC, which penalizes filing false cases, and increasing awareness about its implications.
- Drawing inspiration from countries like Germany, where filing false accusations leads to strict legal consequences, thereby discouraging misuse.
3. Establishing Independent Review Committees
To balance protection for genuine victims and safeguard the accused:
- AUN suggests creating independent panels to review claims before formal legal proceedings.
- This model can help identify false cases early while ensuring genuine grievances are addressed.
Example: The UK uses safeguarding mechanisms in sensitive cases, particularly in child custody or domestic disputes, to prevent misuse.
4. Strengthening Legal Aid and Mental Health Support
False accusations and abuse leave lasting emotional and financial impacts. AUN recommends:
- Offering state-sponsored legal aid to individuals falsely implicated or facing abuse.
- Establishing mental health support systems in collaboration with organizations like the All Bengal Men’s Forum to address the psychological toll on male victims.
5. Driving Public Awareness and Judicial Training
Addressing societal and institutional biases is crucial for meaningful change:
- Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public, law enforcement, and the judiciary on the challenges faced by male victims and the need for gender-neutral policies.
- Judicial Training: Conduct training programs to help judges and police officers assess cases impartially, free from gender biases.
This approach will ensure that justice is served fairly and equitably for all.
Taking the Initiative Global: Leveraging International Legal Instruments
AUN believes the cause led by the All Bengal Men’s Forum can align with global frameworks to inspire international change:
1. Using Existing International Human Rights Instruments
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948): Article 7 states, “All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.” AUN suggests using the UDHR to advocate for gender-neutral legal protections globally.
- ICCPR (1966): Articles 2 and 26 recognize equality before the law, offering a strong foundation to challenge gender-biased laws as discriminatory.
- CEDAW (1979): While CEDAW primarily addresses women’s rights, its principle of non-discrimination can be extended to address biases affecting men.
2. Promoting Precedents in Gender-Neutral Legal Systems
Countries such as Canada, Sweden, and Australia have successfully implemented gender-neutral laws in areas such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and family disputes:
- Canada: Equal legal protections for all victims of sexual violence and abuse.
- Sweden: Reforms ensuring gender-neutral harassment and custody laws.
- Australia: Campaigns like One in Three have highlighted male victims of abuse, leading to progressive legal frameworks.
AUN recommends collaboration with international advocacy groups to promote these successful models and encourage reforms in countries with gender-biased laws.
Creating a Global Movement: AUN’s Recommendations to Scale the Initiative
1. Forming International Advocacy Coalitions
- AUN suggests building global coalitions by connecting the All Bengal Men’s Forum with organizations like the Men’s Rights Agency (Australia) and ManKind Initiative (UK).
- These coalitions can amplify awareness, exchange resources, and lobby for reforms at an international level.
2. Engaging International Human Rights Platforms
- Presenting the cause at global forums such as the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), World Social Forum, and UN Women can raise visibility for the need to address gender biases in legal systems.
- Submitting petitions and research reports to international bodies can advocate for adopting gender-neutral reforms globally.
3. Promoting Gender-Balanced Policy Recommendations
AUN recommends drafting policy proposals focusing on:
- Revising gender-biased laws.
- Penalizing false allegations.
- Providing state-supported resources for male victims, including counseling and legal aid.
These recommendations can be presented to national governments, policymakers, and legal institutions for adoption.
4. Raising Awareness Through Media and Technology
- Utilize global media platforms, social media campaigns, and petitions on platforms like Change.org to share real-life stories of male victims and highlight legal injustices.
- Crowdfunding initiatives on platforms like GlobalGiving can support grassroots efforts and expand outreach.
5. Cultural Sensitivity and Regional Adaptation
AUN recognizes that solutions must be culturally adaptable. For instance:
- In African nations, addressing male victimization might require community-based interventions and educational programs.
- In Asia, societal stigma surrounding male vulnerability can be countered through targeted awareness and public education campaigns.
A Unified Call for Justice: AUN’s Support for the Cause
Advocacy Unified Network believes the mission of the All Bengal Men’s Forum, led by Nandini Bhattacharjee, holds the potential to drive transformative change both in India and across the globe. AUN stands ready to offer its tools, expertise, and international platform to amplify this critical cause.
“True justice is not selective. Laws must protect everyone, regardless of gender. Advocacy Unified Network calls upon global stakeholders to unite in creating a world where fairness, dignity, and legal equality are universal.”- Francisca Oliviera, Director, Research and Development, Advocacy Unified Network
Through strategic collaborations, evidence-based advocacy, and global engagement, AUN envisions scaling this initiative into a powerful global movement for gender justice.
Redefining Equality: A Global Call for Justice and Dignity
Nandini Bhattacharjee’s work transcends borders, offering a timely and necessary reflection on fairness in the context of evolving gender dynamics. At the heart of her movement lies a simple yet powerful message: justice cannot be selective. By challenging stereotypes, advocating for legal reforms, and amplifying the voices of those often unheard, she is redefining the conversation around gender equality.
Her efforts, though rooted in India, resonate globally as societies grapple with similar imbalances. From male victims of abuse who remain invisible to legal frameworks vulnerable to misuse, her work highlights a gap that policymakers worldwide can no longer afford to ignore. As gender-neutral laws take shape in countries like Canada, Sweden, and Australia, Nandini’s call for balance offers a blueprint for a more just and inclusive legal system.
But her work is not just about laws—it is about dignity. It is about ensuring that no one suffers in silence, that no voice is dismissed because of outdated norms, and that justice is accessible to all, regardless of gender. In her relentless advocacy, Nandini reminds us that true equality requires fairness, empathy, and courage.
As her movement gathers momentum, it sparks an important conversation about the future we wish to create—a world where stereotypes give way to understanding, where laws reflect balance, and where justice truly knows no gender.
It is a bold and necessary step toward achieving the universal promise of equality, and it is a call for all of us to listen.
