The Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Jammu today, on 8^th March 2022 organized an Awareness program on the theme “Agar MahilaienJaagrukNahi Hui To PakshpaatBadhtaJayega” for the Community Women of Self Help Groups of Village, Bajalta, Jammu, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2022.  At the very outset, Prof. Vishav Raksha, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Jammu, in her address highlighted the importance of International Women’s day and also gave details about the gender-based issues and challenges being faced by women in society. She also interacted with the women who narrated the issues faced by them in their day-to-day life. She also assured that the skill enhancement workshops and training program for the women shall be conducted soon which will help them to become economically independent. Prof. Sanjana Koul, from the School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu who was one of the resource persons, deliberated on the various women-related issues and also asked women regarding the challenges faced by them in terms of access to education, health, work, etc. She also suggested how women can cope up with these challenges through enhancing their skills which can further help them to earn their livelihood.

Dr. Hema Gandotra, Senior Assistant Professor from the Department of Sociology, University of Jammu who was the other resource person, dwelt upon the importance of empowering women through the provision of equal opportunities in every field. She also made the session interesting by engaging the participants in brainstorming activities in which she made women write about work distribution in households through which she explained the idea of work and gender bias in society. She also stressed the importance of being a housewife and said that managing household work is equally important as paid work. The Community Women also shared their views and experiences regarding the issues and challenges they faced as women in society as well as in their day-to-day life and actively participated in the program. Dr. Saranjit Kaur and Ms.KunzangAngmo, Faculty members, Centre for Women’s Studies coordinated the program.