The Department of Lifelong Learning, University of Jammu today organized a one day workshop on “Understanding gender and gender sensitization” in collaboration with Career Counseling Cell , Government Degree College, Sidhra at the college premises. Prof. (Dr.) Kavita Suri, Director, Department of Lifelong Learning, University of Jammu and Dr. Savita Nayyar, Associate Professor, Department of Law, University of Jammu were the key speakers for the workshop. The Principal of the college Dr. B.B Anand, Dr. Punam Rani, Convenor, Career Counseling Cell of the college, Dr. Rewa Khajuria, Counselor, EIAB (Employment Information cum Advisory Bureau), Department of Lifelong learning, University of Jammu, Prof Deepa Kak and other faculty members of the college were also present in the workshop which began with the welcome address by Dr. Punam Rani, Head, Department of History.

Prof. Suri, while speaking in her highly interactive session, explained the concept of gender sensitization in a very effective and lucid way with the help of videos and activities. She interacted with the audience very effectively and conducted a brainstorming session to clarify the doubts as well as performed activities to inculcate gender-neutral thinking among the students. She said that gender sensitization is an act of sensitization and encouragement of behavior modification through raising awareness of gender equality concerns. “There is an urgent need to create awareness amongst the students as well as professionals about the importance of gender sensitivity in an organization. It helps in better understanding the opposite gender in a better way,” Prof Suri added who has also worked as a member, Jammu and Kashmir State Commission for the Protection of Women and Child Rights, J&K govt..

Dr. Savita Nayyar spoke on the topic “Sexual harassment- legal and social aspects in which she explained in detail the civil and criminal laws pertaining to sexual harassment at work place. She discussed in detail the 2013 Sexual Harassment Act in her interactive session.

A large number of students and faculty members of GDC Sidhra attended the event. Principal of the college, Dr. B.B Anand also spoke on the topic. He stressed upon the need of gender sensitization workshops and also lauded the efforts of the Department. of Lifelong Learning in organizing such workshops. At last vote of thanks was presented by Prof. Deepa Kak.

The programme was organized under the patronship of the Principal of the college, Dr. B. B. Anand. The event was conducted successfully by Dr. Punam Rani, Convenor, Career Counseling Cell with the active support of the Faculty.