Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 29: Shanti Gupta Centre for Women’s Studies, MIER College of Education, commemorated ‘Women’s Equality Day’ by inaugurating the “Gender Champions Club”.
Prof Vishav Raksha, Head, Department of Sociology and Director, Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Jammu, was the chief guest. Dr Renu Gupta, Chairperson MIER, was the guest of honour.
Dr Bharti Tandon, Convener and Nodal Teacher, Gender Champions Club, presented a welcome address while a documentary on the inspiring journey of 15th President of India, Droupadi Murmu was screened on the occasion.
Rupa Gupta, Director of the Centre deliberated on the vision and mission of the Gender Champions Club and also highlighted the roles and responsibilities that Gender Champions would be fulfilling in this position.
The Club was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp and pinning of badges to the Gender Champions and members of the club. The club members took the pledge to promote the cause of gender equality with sincerity and dedication. Two upcoming gender champions, Neha Sharma from M Ed dept and Surya Khajuria from B Ed Special Education presented their opening remarks.
In her presidential remarks, Prof Vishav Raksha emphasized that Gender Champions are our ambassadors who would carry forward the cause of gender equality as they would be interacting and sensitizing individuals not only in educational institutions but carrying this message at home as well. She further said that even though we are talking about gender equality, women still face the challenges of patriarchy, stereotypes, job segregation, poor health care, legal rights, etc. She specifically stressed on three challenges that women and girls face today, safety concerns, cyber security, and media.
Dr Renu Gupta, Chairperson MIER, said that this year’s theme of Women’s Equality Day is “Hard Won-Not Done,” keeping in view that gender equality is still be achieved in all areas. She emphasized that celebrating Women’s Equality Day gives us an opportunity to learn about how other women in the past fought for our rights. She congratulated Gender Champions and the Nodal teachers’ and gave them a mantra of 4Cs that would help them to work for gender parity and neutrality i.e, consciousness, concern, committment and competence.
A formal vote of thanks was presented by Jyoti Sharma, Nodal Teacher, Gender Champions Club and the programme was conducted by Naman Mansotra.