Centre for Women’s Studies organizes 7th Gender Sensitization Workshop for the students of English and Geography

Under the Gender Sensitization Workshop Series, the Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Jammu organized seventh workshop for the students of English and Geography, University of Jammu on Friday, 8th October, 2021.   Dr. Anagha Tambe, Director, Krantijyoti Savitribai  Phule Women’s Studies Centre, Savitribai Phule, Pune University was the resource person.   Prof. Vishav Raksha, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Jammu, after welcoming all the participants, introduced the Resource person to the participants. She also gave insight about the working of the Centre as per the mandate of UGC and apprised the participants that through the conduct of such workshops for various departments, the Centre is successfully generating awareness among the students and scholars of the university.

Dr. Anagha Tambe, key speaker for the workshop explained the definition of gender which not only includes the binary of male and female but third gender as well. She also gave insight about how the concept of gender is now seen and defined in newer contexts and how gender inequality operates in various institutions like marriage, family, caste, class and inheritance etc. Further she also discussed in detail the other related concepts like Patriarchy, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence, Denial of opportunity etc. which are used as a mechanism to justify the subordinate status of the women.

Prof. Sucheta Pathania, Head, Department of English, University of Jammu spoke about the difference between Sex and Gender citing different authors like Judith Butler and expressed that gender sensitization will surely inculcate gender neutral thinking among the students which would lead to harmonious gender relations in the society. She also appreciated the Centre for taking this Initiative to conduct such workshops.

Prof. Anuradha Sharma, Head, Department of Geography, University of Jammu, gave details about how the roles for each gender are constructed in the society and spoke about gendered spaces. She also expressed deep concern that one has to be very sensitive towards women who are the part and parcel of the society. She also advocated that there is dire need of dialogue and voice from women to have respect and honor in the society.

Large number of students comprising students and faculty members of the English and Geography department and from outside the University attended the workshop. The workshop was very well received by all the participants who eagerly took part in the interaction which was followed by the Lecture. The participants shared their views and observations on issues like Gender equality, Gender based violence, Gendered spaces, safety concerns, Women and disability etc.  The workshop was conducted by Dr Saranjit Kaur, Faculty,Centre for Women’s Studies who also presented the formal vote of thanks.