In Bhagavad Gita, chapter 12, in listing the qualities that endears one to Him, Krishna states that, that one who does not cause any distress to any other living entities is very dear to Him. Srila Prabhupada often emphasized the principle of treating all individuals with utmost respect and recognizing their importance in family, society and Krishna’s service.
The ISKCON Vaishnavi Ministry campaign, 16 Days of Activism for Safer Families, will run from November 25th to December 10th. Through this campaign, the ISKCON Vaishnavi Ministry aims to create safer families and communities within ISKCON for women by engaging in discussions that emphasise the underlying principles of equity within Gaudiya Vaishnava teachings as Srila Prabhupada has given them to us. From this, the campaign emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with respect and recognizing their inherent worth, regardless of material circumstances such as gender.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “Safe Families, Strong Communities.” The objective is to raise awareness about the essentiality of treating women and children within ISKCON with respect, dignity, and equality. A robust society is built upon the cornerstone of healthy family systems. In Srimad Bhagavatam, purport, 1.8.5., Srila Prabhupada explains, “The protection of women maintains the chastity of society, by which we can get a good generation for peace, tranquillity and progress of life. The protection of children gives the human form of life its best chance to prepare the way of liberty from material bondage. Such protection of children begins from the very day of begetting a child by the purificatory process of garbhādhāna-saṁskāra, the beginning of pure life.” Ensuring the well-being of women and children within families is paramount for societal prosperity.
Safe and nurturing environments empower women, fostering their contribution to family and community development as the nurturers of our society. Within the family, individuals learn core values, communication skills, and emotional resilience. A supportive familial environment fosters a sense of belonging and security, essential for personal development. Strong family bonds create a foundation for empathy, cooperation, and social responsibility, vital components of a prosperous community.
Shielding children from harm cultivates future leaders and responsible citizens. By prioritizing the protection of these vulnerable members, societies create a secure atmosphere that bolsters the overall resilience and sustainability of the community, reinforcing the belief that safeguarding the most vulnerable is an investment in a flourishing future. Children raised in nurturing families are more likely to excel academically and contribute positively to society. Moreover, healthy family dynamics serve as a buffer against societal challenges, offering a resilient support system. Ultimately, the strength of a society is intricately linked to the health of its foundational family units.
Abuse in any form is an offense to the Vaishnavis and to Srila Prabhupada. Therefore, there is a need to raise awareness about what abuse is and how to create a culture of protection within our communities. While the GBC has passed resolutions against domestic abuse and child abuse, in order to ensure that our communities are safe for members of our society, we need awareness, cooperation and action at the national, local and individual levels.
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