DLL organises workshop on “Gender Diversity & Violence Against Women” at GDC Udhampur

The Department of Lifelong Learning, University of Jammu organized a one day workshop on “Gender Diversity and Violence against Women” for the students of Government Degree College (Girls) Kathua here. The workshop was part of Extension and Outreach Programme of University of Jammu under RUSA-II.

Prof. Subhash Chander, Principal of the college who inaugurated the workshop, appreciated the efforts of DLL for organizing such workshops and added that it was quite important to discuss these issues as these have marred the progress of our society. The special Resource Persons present at the occasion included Prof. Poonam Dhawan, former Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, Dr. Kavita Suri, Director, Department of Lifelong Learning (DLL), University of Jammu and former Member, J&K State Commission for Women, Dr. Savita Nair, Department of Law and Dr. Rewa Khajuria, DLL, University of Jammu.

Prof Poonam Dhawan who is a well known gender expert, in her sessions advocated for the promotion of an inclusive workplace and putting an end to Gender Based Violence (GBV). She said in our society, while there has been progress in terms of professional equality, gender stereotypes still persist which we need to remove. There should be “zero tolerance” in combatting sexual harassment, she added.

Dr. Kavita Suri emphasized that we need to address the root causes of violence, ending impunity for perpetrators and increasing the political, economic and social empowerment of women and girls which are key to reducing their risk to violence. She also drew attention towards the declining trend in participation of women in the work force in India over the last decade as per the latest WEF Global Gender Index report 2020.

“Apart from such workshops, we at the University of Jammu are committed to combat deep-rooted discriminative attitudes through awareness campaigns, social dialogue and other advocacy activities,” informed Dr Suri adding that in order to promote gender equality and a culture of zero tolerance to violence in the society, we have to change the norms in a positive direction and move forward towards ending violence against women and girls.

Dr Savita Nayar drew attention to the existing deficiencies in combating violence against women and urged young girls of the college that when faced with sexual harassment, they should speak up, be self-confident and apply to the emergency hotlines as well as to service providers and institutions working in this field. She also highlighted various legal remedies available to address the issue of violence against women.

Dr Rewa Khajuria said that as education has been one of the priority areas which can empower girls and can further help remove discrimination and biases against women, the DLL organises various career counselling programmes which provides guidance to the girls.

The programme was attended by more than 100 students who appreciated the DLL initiative for conducting such a workshopin the college and desired for conducting more of such programmes in future.

Prof Ashok, Coordinator of the workshop presented formal vote of thanks. Among others who present on the occasion included various professors of the college.