Workshop on “gender equity and inclusion: transformative pathways in higher education” commences at KMV

Jalandhar, September 17, 2019: Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, organized a three day International Workshop on “Gender Equity and Inclusion: Transformative Pathways in Higher Education”. This unique workshop is being organized by KMV in collaboration with (WISCOMP) Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace, a New Delhi based South Asian organization supported by Public Affairs Section of American Embassy, New Delhi. The workshop aims to facilitate a stimulating exchange between eminent educators, administrators, civil society representatives from Punjab, New Delhi and USA scholars. It is heartening to note that brilliant scholars from across the world have gathered at this workshop breaking institutional barriers for intellectual interface and growth. The main speakers and resource persons of the three day workshop are Conrad Tornar (U.S. Embasy), Dr. Meenakshi Gopinath (Director, WISCOMP), Prof. Denys Leighton, Prof. Rukmni Sen, Prof. Kathleen Modrowski, Prof. Kristen E.Kelly (Columbia University), Prof. Maina Chawla Singh. Principal Prof.(Dr.) Atima Sharma Dwivedi, Chander Mohan, President, Arya Shiksha Mandal, Conrad Turner, Counsellor, Public Affairs Section, US Embassy New Delhi & Dr Meenakshi Gopinath, Director, WISCOMP ( Former Principal Lady Sri Ram College, New Delhi.) graced the occasion during the inauguration. During her inaugural address, Principal Prof.(Dr.) Atima Sharma Dwivedi averred that KMV brought a new revolution in the society by making the girls educated and treating them to give equality to women and equal opportunities. She also acquainted everyone with the rich heritage & legacy of KMV by explaining that the students and leaders of KMV have played a pivotal role in India's freedom struggle. She further maintained that Kanya Maha Vidyalaya has always stood at the forefront as a crusader against women suppression, hence has created a special niche for itself by taking path breaking initiatives while responding to the most pertinent issues related to empowering women since its inception in 1886. Being premier women educational institution, KMV is an eminent and befitting place for hosting this unique workshop. Sh. Chander Mohan in his address expressed his faith that institute like KMV will always be a flag bearer for the women empowerment and women education as KMV was the first institute in India that conceptualized the idea of women education and paved the way for the uplifitment of women in the society at every level. Mr Conrad Turner, said that the time has come for women to move into decision making positions at every level. Women should be intolerant of any kind of injustice imposed on them. Dr Meenakshi Gopinath averred that Women colleges are alternative civic spheres. Women colleges can help in raising the awareness of the society towards gender equity. Lauding the extraordinary efforts of KMV, she acknowledged the contribution of KMV in the freedom struggle of India. She stated that KMV is the most suitable place for holding such illuminating workshops. After the inaugural session, Dr Meenakshi Gopinath & Mrs Seema Kakran, Deputy Director, WISCOMP held an interactive discussion on Equality and Inclusion: Through a Gender Lens followed by the comments & observations from Dr Monica Sharma, Department of History, KMV. The next session was steered by Dr Maina Chawla Singh, American University, Washington DC. The speakers for the session were Prof. Rukmini Sen, Ambedkar University, Delhi & Prof. Denys P. Leighton, Ambedkar University, Delhi. The discussion was based on the topic of Gender Knowledge. The next session was an interactive session in which the participants were divided into various groups to have a discussion on Safety Audit of Campus. It was a highly interactive session in which all the participants expressed their views on the topic. The facilitator for the session was Rwitee Mandal, Senior Program Manager, Safetipin. The last session for the day was based on Cross-Cultural Dialogues: Gender Justice Practices in the Academy. The speakers for the session were Dr Kristy E. Kelly, Drexel University, USA, Dr Meenakshi Gopinath & Prof. Ritu Lehal, Director, Women's Studies Centre, Punjabi University, Patiala. The session concentrated on establishing a gender just society where everyone can have equal opportunities and rights. It is worth mentioning that tomorrow also the Workshop will witness many illuminating discussions from scholars of national and international acclaim.