VOLUME - XIII, ISSUE - II - MARCH - AUGUST - 2025 IDEAL - ISSN - 2319 - 359X - IMPACT FACTOR - 7.537 (www.sjifactor.com) AP-09 ENGLISH PART - II / Peer Reviewed and UGC Listed Journal No. : 47026 96 15. Gender Sensitization in Preeti Shenoy’s The Rule Breakers Dr. Suhas Shinde Assistant Professor, KBP Mahavidyalaya, Pandharpur (Autonomous). Prof. Dr. Samadhan Mane Head, Department of English, KBP Mahavidyalaya, Pandharpur (Autonomous), Dist. Solapur, Maharashtra. Abstract The present research article examines the concept of gender sensitization in Preeti Shenoy’s novel The Rule Breakers. The story follows Veda, a young woman who faces social pressures and gender-based expectations that limit her freedom. Throughout the novel, Shenoy critiques the traditional roles assigned to women and how these rules often prevent women from following their dreams and ambitions. This paper explores how Veda’s journey highlights the power of education in helping women break free from these restrictions. It also emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, courage, and the role of supportive communities, especially women who encourage each other to challenge social norms. The novel’s key messages are about breaking stereotypes, offering equal opportunities to both men and women, and changing the way people think about gender. The article also includes key quotes from the book to show how Shenoy calls for a world where women can make their own choices and live without fear of judgment. The Rule Breakers serves as a reminder that gender equality is essential for personal growth and social progress. Keywords: Gender Sensitization, equality, Patriarchy, self-discovery, feminism. Introduction Gender sensitization has gained prominence in recent years, emphasizing the need to foster equality by challenging social norms and encouraging a deeper understanding of gender dynamics. The concept of Gender sensitization means understanding and addressing the unequal treatment of men and women in society. According to Judith Butler, in books like Gender Trouble (1990) and Undoing Gender (2004), gender is not something we are born with but something we learn and perform based on society’s expectations. She challenges the idea that there are only two genders (male and female) and argues that gender roles are created by culture, not nature. (Butler 25-34) Preeti Shenoy’s The Rule Breakers explores this important topic through the story of Veda, a