Hyderabad: Charu Sinha, Director General of CID, ACB and WSW, said toxic masculinity could be unlearnt through awareness, empathy and mutual respect. She made the remarks at the eighth edition of the #StandWithHer panel discussion at WeHub, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad.
The discussion focused on “Anger, Ego and Toxic Masculinity” and explored how dominance, anger and controlling behaviour affect relationships and society. Participants from public administration, media, cinema, theatre and entrepreneurship shared their perspectives.
“All these behaviours that men have learnt can be unlearnt too,” Sinha said. She stressed that men and women were complementary and that neither was superior or inferior to the other.
Toxic masculinity requires awareness and accountability
Anusha, PM, CDEW, WSW, highlighted the importance of communicating personal-space needs during disagreements. Actor and theatre practitioner Jhansi noted that women could also reinforce patriarchal attitudes through everyday beliefs and practices.
Actor Vamsee Chaganti suggested sports and physical activity as constructive ways to channel anger. Meanwhile, Telangana Labour Special Commissioner Pamela Satpathy, IAS, urged people to value relationships over winning arguments.
WE HUB CEO Sita Pallacholla highlighted mansplaining and the tendency to undermine women’s knowledge and opinions. The discussion was moderated by TV9 senior news presenter Deepthi Vajpayee.
The panel emphasised emotional awareness, open communication and accountability as essential to healthier relationships. The year-long #StandWithHer campaign promotes gender equality through monthly discussions on social attitudes and behaviours.
The latest edition called for collective efforts to challenge harmful stereotypes and foster dignity and mutual respect. Participants highlighted the need to address everyday attitudes that affect relationships and gender equality.