Week-long celebrations of International Women’s Day

Chandigarh, March 13, 2026: The Department-cum-Centre for Women’s Studies and Development at Panjab University concluded its week-long celebrations of International Women’s Day with a vibrant closing event held at the Student Centre. The programme brought together students, faculty members, and university staff to celebrate gender equality, creativity, and women’s empowerment through a series of engaging and thought-provoking activities.
One of the highlights of the event was a range of gender-reversal games and activities designed to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Among the activities organised was a Roti Making Challenge for male participants, symbolically highlighting domestic skills often associated only with women and encouraging men to reflect on the unequal distribution of household responsibilities. Another activity focused on the Invisible Work Burden, which illustrated the numerous tasks women perform in their daily lives and helped participants recognise the multiple roles and responsibilities women manage simultaneously, often without recognition.
The programme also included a Green Flag and Red Flag Activity, where participants identified which behaviours represent a “green flag” (healthy, respectful, and supportive behaviour) and which represent a “red flag” (problematic or discriminatory behaviour). This activity encouraged students to reflect on everyday interactions and recognise positive and negative behavioural patterns in social and personal relationships. Additionally, a Product Identification Activity was conducted for both genders to assess participants’ knowledge of everyday items such as food products, hygiene products, and household machines. The activity highlighted how familiarity with certain products is often shaped by gender roles and everyday responsibilities.
A particularly impactful activity was the Period Pain Simulator, where male students experienced the intensity of menstrual cramps through a stimulation device. The initiative aimed to foster empathy and awareness regarding the physical discomfort many women experience during menstruation. The department also organised a Privilege Walk, a reflective exercise demonstrating how social privileges operate in everyday life. Participants stepped forward based on questions related to life experiences, and the outcome revealed how male participants often moved further ahead than female participants, highlighting gender-based inequalities and stricter social expectations placed on women. Another initiative included a survey among students where participants marked places they perceived as safe or unsafe within the Panjab University campus as well as across Chandigarh. The activity encouraged discussion about safety, mobility, and gendered experiences in public spaces.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students as well as professors and faculty members from different departments, who actively engaged in the activities. The programme was graced by Prof. Yojna Rawat, DUI, and Prof. Namita Gupta, DSW Women, who appreciated the students’ efforts in organising activities that sensitise society about gender stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
The department also acknowledged the encouragement and guidance of the Head of the Department, Prof. Rajesh Kumar Chander, whose support motivated students to organise such an interactive event for the first time in the department. The department further expressed gratitude to Prof. Pam Rajput, Prof. Manvinder Kaur, and Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat for their continued guidance and encouragement.