Introduction This case highlights the clash between traditional social norms and the fundamental right to education, particularly for girls, mirroring the ongoing struggle for gender equality seen in cases like the fight for entry into temples in India. The central ethical dilemma lies in balancing the community's patriarchal views with the girls' right to education and safety, best addressed through the lens of Rawlsian Justice, which emphasizes fairness and equal opportunity.

Stakeholder Identification Village elders, young generation (both male and female), girls, families of girls, district administration, local police, educational institutions, NGOs working on women empowerment.

14 (a) What steps would you take to ensure girls’ safety without disrupting their education?

1. Immediate Action and Accountability: Conduct a thorough investigation into the molestation incident, ensuring justice for the victims and holding perpetrators accountable under the law. This upholds the rule of law and demonstrates a commitment to girls' safety.
2. Confidence-Building Measures: Increase police patrolling around schools and in areas where girls commute. Establish a women's help desk at the local police station and organize community policing initiatives involving women. These measures address the immediate security concerns and promote a sense of safety.
3. Technological Solutions: Explore the use of technology such as GPS tracking on school buses, CCTV cameras in vulnerable areas, and mobile apps with panic buttons for girls. This aligns with the common good approach by leveraging technology for safety.
4. Community Engagement: Organize meetings with village elders, parents, teachers, and students to foster dialogue and address concerns about girls' education. Facilitate discussions on the importance of education for girls' empowerment and community development, appealing to the Gandhian approach of peaceful conflict resolution.
5. Empowerment through Education: Introduce self-defense training for girls in schools to equip them with skills to protect themselves. This promotes individual rights and addresses the power imbalance.
6. Legal Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns on laws related to women's safety and education, emphasizing the legal consequences of preventing girls from attending school. This reinforces the rule of law.

14 (b) How would you manage and mold the patriarchic attitude of the village elders to ensure harmony in inter-generational relations?

1. Inter-generational Dialogue: Organize regular meetings between elders and the younger generation to facilitate open communication and understanding. Encourage respectful discussions on the changing social landscape and the importance of girls' education for sustainable development.
2. Role Models and Success Stories: Invite successful women from the district or neighboring areas to share their stories with the community, showcasing the positive impact of education on women's lives and their contribution to society. This appeals to the virtue ethics of role modeling.
3. Economic Empowerment Initiatives: Promote skill development programs and vocational training for girls and women to enhance their economic independence. This addresses the elders' concerns about male unemployment by creating alternative livelihood opportunities.
4. Highlighting Positive Contributions: Showcase examples of how educated girls have contributed positively to their families and the community, challenging the elders' negative perceptions. This promotes the common good approach.
5. Engaging Religious Leaders: Involve respected religious leaders and community influencers in promoting the importance of girls' education and challenging harmful traditional practices. This leverages existing social structures for positive change.
6. Long-Term Social Change: Support the formation of women's self-help groups and community-based organizations to empower women and provide them with a platform to voice their concerns. This fosters collective rights and promotes social justice.

Conclusion

This case study underscores the importance of balancing tradition with progress, individual rights with social norms, and the need to address deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes. The success of the "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" campaign in India demonstrates the positive impact of government initiatives and community involvement in promoting girls' education. An ethical way forward involves continuous engagement with communities, promoting education and awareness, and empowering girls and women to become agents of change. This ensures that decisions are made considering the veil of ignorance, promoting a just and equitable society.