The Centre for Women’s Studies, Jammu University organizes Gender Sensitization Workshop for the Students and Scholars of the Department of Urdu and Home Science.

Jammu: December 22: The Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Jammu organized the 8th workshop under the ongoing series for the students and scholars of the Department of Urdu and Home Science on Friday, 22nd December, 2023. Dr. Suraj Mohani Jamwal, Faculty from Cluster University (PSPS GCW Gandhi Nagar Jammu) was the resource person.

The programme was planned under the able guidance of Prof. Vishav Raksha, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies. The programme began with the welcome address by Dr. Hema Gandotra, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Director In-charge, Centre for Women’s Studies. Dr. Hema Gandotra spoke about the importance of conducting such workshops and threw light on the efforts undertaken by the Centre to create gender awareness among the students and scholars of the University. Further, she explained that through such sensitization program one will definitely be able to bring the changes in the mindset of the people in near future.

Dr. Suraj Mohini Jamwal, key resource person gave insight on the concept of Gender, Gender construction and how can we achieve gender equality with the help of digital information. While interacting with the participants she explained that since the childhood the gender roles and expectations are assigned in a very subtle way. Further, she explained that different societal expectations lead to gender discrimination. She said that the discrimination against women is done in different ways and in different spheres throughout women’s life; as a result, boy/men are given more preference as they are seen as a carrier of the lineage. Further, she shared the recent data to explain how the gender gap in every sphere is still prevalent and suggested that education and economic independence of women can play a very pivotal role in bringing equality and empower the women in the coming future.

Prof. Mohd. Reyaz Ahmed, Head, Department of Urdu, in his remarks explained the importance of this workshop and expressed that the problematic perceptions and the gender disparities prevalent in the society needs to be changed. Further, he said that students are the right target group 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. He appreciated the Centre for collaborating and conducting such a wonderful workshop for their students.

Prof. Samridhi Arora, Head, Department of Home Science 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.

Large number of students and scholars and faculty members from both the Department of Urdu and Home Science very enthusiastically participated in the workshop and shared their personal experiences and raised many queries which were answered to their satisfaction by the resource person. The workshop was conducted and coordinated by Dr. Saranjit Kaur, and the formal vote of thanks was presented by Ms. Kunzang Angmo both Faculty members, Centre for Women’s Studies. Dr. Abdul Rashid Manhas and Dr. Javaid Ahmad Shah both Faculty members, Department of Urdu looked after the digital modalities of the workshop.