While passing through the society I overheard a group of young boys playing and talking among themselves about a girl: “Mam was mentioning today that she is strong—how can she be strong? Does she even know anything other than doing makeup?” The recent cases filling newspapers are not isolated; they confirm how rigid gender norms turn toxic for classmates and even fatal for some.
Studies indicate that gender concepts begin forming between ages 3 and 7, shaped by family, school, and media. Young men are reluctant to talk about their feelings because they fear being seen as “less of a man,” and many feel pressured to “man up” and “be strong. Boys often voice revealing stereotypes:
Gender stereotypes do not appear suddenly in adolescence; they start in early childhood and are reinforced continuously. Children watch how adults divide housework, who is praised for “bravery” versus “care,” and which roles are shown in cartoons and movies. Key hidden messages include:
Social media and film culture amplify this: action heroes brood or rage but rarely confess fear; emotional support is often shown as “feminine” and therefore less important. Over time, such messages limit boys’ emotional range, push them into isolation, and make empathy with peers feel “unnatural”.
In this age (7-11 years) children are curious and open to new ideas, developing stronger logical reasoning and attention spans, gaining emotional and social intelligence through peer interaction, questions, and observation, and beginning to understand others' perspectives and the consequences of actions. These are foundational years for building healthy attitudes and behaviours and talking to boys about gender at age introduces open conversations about self, their emotions, gender roles and encourage them to embrace diversity, be empathic, learn equality, and treat other with dignity and integrity. Boys will learn that emotions like sadness, fear, crying—are normal and safe to share, and discussable are less likely to bottle up hurt and turn it into anger or violence. They can also recognise bullying (not just physical fights, but teasing, body-shaming, and online harassment) and understand how it hurts others.
Discussion with boys would build empathy, respect, and emotional health. It teaches that playing with varied toys, sharing housework, expressing feelings, and respecting girls’ and women’s voices are signs of maturity and self-confidence. Safer schools and communities, with fewer cases of bullying, body- shaming and cyber harassment. Boys who listen, empathise, and speak up when peers are targeted, rather than silently going along. Boys who do housework, expresses emotions not labelled as ‘women’ or ‘softies’.
Talking with boys will not just provide them safe space for expression, but also free them from the pressure of “being strong all the time,” hide their feelings, and fit into narrow boxes that ultimately hurt both them and others. When we help boys understand gender early, we help them build healthier friendships, more respectful relationships, and safer schools—where fewer children are driven to silence, bullying, or tragedy.
Promoting gender equity is a core value of DS Group’s corporate social responsibility framework. Saamya aligns closely with this vision by working towards a gender-equitable society through the active engagement of young boys aged 7 to 11, nurturing respect, empathy, and positive change from an early age.
Saamya is the flagship CSR initiative of the Dharampal Satyapal Group. We envision Saamya shaping a generation of young boys who reject violence, embrace positive masculinity, and actively empower themselves and those around them—especially women and girls. By fostering empathy, respect, and equality early in life, the programme aims to create a lasting cultural shift towards a truly gender-sensitive society.