Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 30: In a collaborative effort with the Centre for Women Development Studies, New Delhi, the Centre for Women's Studies at Jammu University organized an online session addressing the UN theme for the year: "UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls! #No Excuse." The session, held on November 30, 2023, at 2:30 pm, commemorated the 16 days of Activism and coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Seema Khajooria Shekher, Senior Advocate, High Court J&K and Ladakh, served as the resource person, and Prof. Sanjana Kaul, Director, School of Bio-Technology, chaired the session.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Vishav Raksha, Director, Centre for Women's Studies, expressing gratitude to Prof. Manimekalai, Director, Centre for Women's Development Studies, New Delhi, for the collaborative initiative. Prof. Vishav Raksha and Dr. Hema Gandotra (Director-in-charge) provided guidance and shared their perspectives on the program.
Seema Khajooria Shekher shed light on gender bias and gender-based violence, citing historical disparities that persist in various forms. She presented case studies on domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, acid attacks, and elucidated the legal safeguards available for women and girls, including the PNDT Act, Protection of Girl Child, Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, and various sections of the IPC.
Prof. Sanjana Kaul, chairing the session, emphasized the importance of gender sensitization and awareness programs on legal provisions for women. She advocated for introducing gender as a subject at the school level to promote early sensitization and foster an inclusive society. Prof. Kaul applauded the continuous efforts of the Centre in organizing such activities within and beyond the university.
The interactive session saw enthusiastic participation from faculty members, scholars, and students from various universities across India, including those from Jammu University and colleges. Participants raised queries on issues such as sexual harassment, child marriage, public harassment, and women empowerment, all of which were addressed by the resource person.
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