 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 9: To celebrate International Women's Day, a one-day seminar on "Achieving Gender Equality for Transformative Change by 2030" was organized by MIER College of Education (Autonomous). Dr. Kr. Ritu Singh, Founding Chairperson, FICCI FLO J&K and Ladakh was the chief guest. The seminar aimed at bringing educationists, administrators, entrepreneurs, and social workers on a common platform to deliberate upon gender equality, challenges and measures needed to remove gender inequality.
Director and Principal MIER College, Dr. Adit Gupta, in his introductory remarks, welcomed the esteemed Chief Guest, dignitaries, keynote speakers, members of the FIICI FLO, faculty members, and students of the college. He congratulated the Centre for Women's Studies for organizing the seminar on International Women's Day as achieving gender equality is a very pertinent topic all over the globe.
Speaking about the seminar, Dr. Renu Gupta, Chairperson MIER and patron, SSGCWS, said the Sustainable Development Goals as envisaged by the UN 2015 places gender equality and empowerment of women and girls at the heart of their implementation, with the promise to 'leave no one behind". It provides an unprecedented opportunity to transform the lives of women and girls towards sustainable development in all dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. She also referred to the theme of this year's International Women's Day celebrations, "Digit All: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality," as the thrust area for strengthening women's capabilities for the future.
Dr. Rekha Koul, Associate Professor and Deputy Head, School of Education, Curtin University, Perth, Australia, in her keynote address on the theme " Safe to Speak: Women Empowerment and SDG 5" related her childhood experiences, highlighting how silence of women was considered a sign of feminism. She emphasized that "we" as women need to voice our presence and opinion and show our visibility. She shared the journey of women's empowerment, from the right to vote to becoming the head of the state.
Rupa Gupta, Joint Director MIER and Director CWS, introduced the chief guest to the audience and shared the life journey of Dr. Kuwarani Ritu Singh. She described her as an epitome of elegance, grace, wisdom, strength, and courage. A visionary leader who believes in improving the lives of underprivileged children, people and upliftment and empowerment of women. Kr. Ritu Singh was felicitated with Nari Shakti Award for her achievements and contribution to the society.
In her presidential remarks, Dr. Kr. Ritu Singh, said the values she imbibes come from her family lineage, especially her father, who focused on shabad, simran, and seva. She emphasized that there is no disagreement on the roles of men and women in society if they support each other and contribute together towards common national goals. She also focused on the following key areas which help in making the life meaningful and productive: Believe in yourself, Never to given in, Bridging the gap between men and women and Importance of digital literacy.
The second session was a panel discussion on the theme of the seminar. Ms. Neha Bakshi, (JKAS), Under Secretary, Information Technology Dept., Jammu, Mr. Mubassir Latifi, SSP, Commandant IRP 15 Battalion, Jammu, Mrs. Ruchika Gupta, Joint Director MIER and Treasure FICCI FLO and Prof. Sunita Zalpuri, Dean, MIET School of Law, Jammu were the panelists. The moderator of the session was Dr. Bharti Tandon, Convener CWS. The panelists candidly shared their views about gender equality, challenges, and importance and integration of goal 5 in achieving other UN development goals. It was followed by an interactive Q&A session.
Dr. Pushpa Singh, Associate Professor, Marinda House, University of Delhi, was the keynote speaker in the third session. She deliberated on the theme "Achieving Gender Equality: Prospects and Challenges." Dr. Singh explained the concept of gender and focused on different forms of gender discrimination and its consequences. She also deliberated on measures and ways of creating a gender just world.
Dr. Bharti Tandon, Associate Professor, and Dr. Bindu Dua, Assistant Professor, MIER College presented a formal vote of thanks. The programme was ably conducted by Komal Sharma, Assistant Professor, UG Department. Arpana Koul, Jyoti Sharma and Nandani Puri, Assistant Professors, MIER College of Education were the rapporteurs of different sessions. |
