Department of Defence and National Security Studies, PU celebrated the spirit of International Women’s Day 

Chandigarh, March 9, 2023: Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh celebrated the spirit of International Women’s Day and organized a special  lecture on the theme  “Gender Inclusion in Indian Defence Forces: Status, Challenges and Prospects” today. The talk was delivered by Dr Rajesh Kumar Chander, Sr. Assistant Professor and former Chairperson, Department cum Centre for Women’s Studies and Development, Panjab University, Chandigarh

 Dr. Chander in his address covered various facets of the issues pertaining to the gender sensitization in a holistic perspective. In his talk he stressed that gender is a construct, a built up perspective that needs to be changed. He also elaborated that how women directly or indirectly face the brunt of violence in armed conflicts.

Further he also highlighted how social,, cultural and psychological construct impacts a child since birth and how children are put in the spheres of gender based on masculine or feminine perceptions. A variety of gender issues were highlighted citing various case studies involving violence against women, verbal violence, cyber stalking, cyber bullying and harassment in the society. The topic of representation of women in armed forces was touched by providing the global context by highlighting the human development index ranks of different countries. He also mentioned that the  countries which are doing well in Human Development Index, are also more inclusive in representing the women in Armed forces.

Dr.Chander in conclusion enunciated various suggestions to overcome the barriers and perceptions which limit the women’s representation not just in armed forces, but in society at large.

Dr. Harmanpreet Singh delivered the vote of thanks. It was attended by the students, research scholars and faculty from the department.