The Centre for Women’s Studies, JU organizes an Online Session in collaboration with Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi

The Centre for Women’s Studies has organized an online session in collaboration with Centre for Women Development Studies, New Delhi on this year’s UN theme: “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls! #No Excuse” on 30th November, 2023 at 2:30 pm today to commemorate the 16 days of Activism by 16 Universities across India on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Ms. Seema Khajooria Shekher, Senior Advocate, Hon’ble High Court J&K and Ladakh was the resource person and Prof. Sanjana Kaul, Director, School of Bio-Technology chaired the session.

The program began with the welcome address by the Prof. Vishav Raksha, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies. In her opening remarks she thanked Prof. Manimekalai, Director, Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi for her initiative and providing this opportunity to the Centre to be the part of this program. The programme was planned under the able guidance of Prof. Vishav Raksha and Dr. Hema Gandotra (Director- in charge) who also shared her views and observations.

Ms. Seema Khajooria Shekher, the key speaker began the session by elaborating on the gender biasness and gender based violence that exist in the society. She explained that these disparities existed since time immemorial in various forms. Though in Indian society women are equated with goddesses and ‘Ghar-ki-Laxmi’, but within the four walls as well as in the public domain women irrespective of caste/class/age, face different types of violence. She even shared few case studies regarding Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual Harassment, Acid Attacks etc. Further she also gave details on the legal safeguards available for women and girls like: PNDT Act, Protection of Girl Child, Sexual Harassment at Work Place Act, and various Section of IPC.

Prof. Sanjana Kaul, chaired the session. She appreciated and acknowledged the importance of such platform and further explained that the gender sensitization and awareness programmes on the legal provisions for women are crucial. She also stressed upon the need of introducing gender as subject at school level so that the sensitization starts early which will lead to an inclusive society. She also applauded the efforts of the Centre for continuously organizing these types of activities within and outside the University.

Large number of faculty members, scholars and students from various Universities across India, as well as from University and Colleges of Jammu very enthusiastically participated in the programme. Many queries were raised by participants on issues like Sexual Harassment, Child marriage, Public Harassment, Women Empowerment etc. which were answered to their satisfaction by the resource person. The workshop was conducted and coordinated by Dr. Saranjit Kaur, and the formal vote of thanks was presented by Ms. Kunzang Angmo both Faculty members, Centre for Women’s Studies.