The Centre for Women’s Studies, in collaboration with the Department of Sociology and Psychology(jointly) and Department of History, University of Jammu organized 8th and 9th workshop under ongoing series for students of these departments on 1st  and 2nd September, 2022 respectively. Dr. Bindu Sangra, Faculty, the Law School, University of Jammu was the resource person on 1st September and Dr. Suraj Mohani Jamwal, Faculty from Cluster University (PSPS GCW Gandhi Nagar Jammu) was the resource person on 2nd September 2022. 

Prof. Vishav Raksha, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies and Head, Department of Sociology in her address welcomed all the participants and explained the importance of such workshops. While explaining, she stressed upon the acknowledgement of heterogeneity in the society and told participants to take a pause and self evaluate and be sensitized enough to talk on any matter without hurting or belittling anyone. She also said that to understand the gender from different perspectives, resource person having expertise on gender related issues from different departments are being invited.                                                                                                                                     

Dr. Bindu Sangra, the key resource person for the workshop, spoke about the relevance of Gender sensitization workshop especially for the students and scholars. She said that although we are in the 21st Century but still there are gender inequalities which can only be bridged through awareness generation. She gave reference of Global Gender Gap to show how every year despite various provisions women are still not sensitized about their basic rights enshrined in our Constitution and explained how these can be accessed to safeguard the rights of women. She further mentioned that in 2022 also the representation of women in economic, political, and administration positions is still under-represented. 

Dr. Suraj Mohini Jamwal, key resource person gave insight on the concept of gender by giving day to day life examples. While interacting with the participants she explained that since the childhood the gender roles and expectations start in a very subtle way. She said how the discrimination against women is done in different ways throughout the life cycle of women; as a result, boy/men are given more preference as they are seen as a carrier of the lineage. Through an activity she also explained how the work distribution between men and women is done within and outside the home. Further she shared the data to explain how the gender gap in every sphere is still prevalent and suggested that education and economic independence of women can play very pivotal role in bringing equality among the sexes.

Prof. Arti Bakshi,Head, Department of Psychology, in her address, emphasized on the importance of such workshops. Prof.Bakshi also mentioned that through such workshops we can inculcate the sense of empathy among all. She applauded the efforts of the Centre to conduct such workshop and expressed her interest for future collaborations as well. 

Prof. Suman Jamwal, Head, Department of History, in her address stressed upon the importance of sensitization of everyone irrespective of gender. She mentioned that through such workshops we can create an inclusive environment where we appreciate and respect all. Further she said that students are the right target as they are the future of the nation, and suggested that each one of us has to take responsibility of disseminating the gained knowledge and this chain reaction will create gender sensitive society.

Large number of Students, Research Scholars and Faculty members of the Department of Sociology, Psychology and History passionately participated in the workshops and  raised many queries about the issues like Marital rape, Domestic Violence, emotional and mental violence, Safety concerns, Sexism in textbooks, Gendered spaces, Division of labor etc.

The workshops were conducted and coordinated by Dr. Saranjit Kaur, and the formal votes of thanks were presented by Ms. Kunzang Angmo both Faculties, Centre for Women’s Studies. The office staff of all the departments looked after the digital modalities of the workshops.