The Centre for Women’s Studies, in collaboration with Institute of Human Genetics, University of Jammu organized 5^th workshop under ongoing series for the students and scholars of the Human Genetics on Friday, 26^th, August 2022. Dr. Savita Nayyar, Faculty, Department of Law, University of Jammu was the resource person. The workshop began with the welcome address by Prof. Vishav Raksha, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies who after welcoming all the participants explained the motive behind the conduct of such workshops. She gave details about the concept of Sex vs. Gender and said that we all should acknowledge the difference of being male and female. She also explained that through such workshops we are trying to inculcate the gender sensitivity among the students as they are the ambassadors of change in the society.

Dr. Savita Nayyar, the key resource person for the workshop, spoke about the relevance of Gender sensitization workshop especially for students and scholars. She also gave insights on the concept of masculinity and femininity and how gender is a social and cultural construct. She also explained about the ideology of Patriarchy and how due to patriarchal notions women as well as men are suffering in one or the other way. Further, she emphasized that how patriarchy as an ideology is used as a mechanism to justify the practice of various forms of violence and sexual harassment of women. While interacting with the participants she said that there is a dire need for gender equality which can only be achieved by inculcating gender neutral thinking within the family, educational institutions and society at large.

 Dr. Parvindar Kumar, faculty, Institute of Human Genetics in his address, emphasized on the importance of such workshops. He further mentioned that in Genetics both the genes carry equal importance and there is no concept of inferior or superior genes. He also congratulated and appreciated the efforts of the Centre to conduct such workshop for their students and scholars as well.

Students and Research Scholars of the IHG very enthusiastically participated in the workshop and shared their personal experience on the issue like domestic violence, stigma related to menstrual cycle, practice of Purdha (veil) in the name of honour etc.

The workshop was conducted and coordinated by Dr. Saranjit Kaur, and the formal vote of thanks was presented by Ms. Kunzang Angmo both Faculty, Centre for Women’s Studies. The office staff of the Institute of Human Genetics looked after the digital modalities of the workshop.