It is only when anyone starts communicating with others, does one realise the importance of having good interpersonal communication skills. Right from building confidence to shaping up our pysche, interpersonal communication has a role in strengthening our understanding of our own selves as well as others. From a very early age, when children are exposed to conversations at home, they pick up certain cues that become the baseline of their communication style. In the next step, at school, when teachers and peers begin to interact with them, they start developing a next level of understanding about communication. However, when it comes to expressing themselves, there is always a certain amount of hesitation and a fear of being judged, that makes children indulge in manipulative behaviours.
In a patriarchal society, girls usually grow up with the notion that standing up for oneself, is something that women are not encouraged to do. This makes them shy and submissive from a very early age, and they are unable to express and share their opinions with others in the society as well. This translates into lack of confidence in later years of their life, when it becomes difficult for them to communicate with elders and take their advice, on important decisions concerning their career and relationships.
Considering the fact that women have started to take the lead in management of household and workplace affairs, and that they are also involved in leading movements responsible for socio-cultural and economic reforms, it is very important that skills of interpersonal communication be taught to them, from a very early age, so that they know how to exercise their freedom of expression, healthily. On one hand, where schools can take the initiative and introduce subjects related to emotional intelligence and communication skills in their curriculum, it would also be effective if people in the family and immediate society start encouraging heart to heart dialogues with the young females around them. Additionally, schools can also organise workshops or host cultural events, that are women-centric and provide an opportunity to have a better understanding of theoretical aspects of communication, that are taught in the curriculum.
Additionally, shows on radio and television can be aired, wherein experts can be called upon to discuss the relevance and importance of interpersonal communication for women, and listen to their views and stories. Females, who are in a leading role in politics and other spheres where there are opportunities for social interaction, can also facilitate the process of dissemination of knowledge on this issue, by illustrating examples from their real life. Social media platforms are also an excellent means of conveying message about the importance of building healthy interpersonal relationships on a strong foundation of a profound understanding of the right way to express oneself.
Forums like Youth ki Awaaz, are doing an excellent job by encouraging people to publish their views on this topic. The fact that these views/solutions will be communicated to the HRD ministry for strategic implementation, gives a further impetus for writing.