Workshop with Security Personnel of PU with view to creating gender sensitive environment 

Chandigarh, January 27, 2023: In continuation of the IMAGE (I’M Advocating for Gender Equality) Programme, the Department-cum-Centre for Women’s Studies and Development, Panjab University, Chandigarh in collaboration with Consulate General of Canada in Chandigarh  today organized a Workshop with Security Personnel of Panjab University with a view to creating a gender sensitive environment in the University through collaboration of Security Persons, students and Faculty.  The Workshop was attended by 40 Security persons.

They were first apprised about the initiative being taken by the Department under the IMAGE programme and were sensitized to various gender issues. They were further asked to identify places which they felt were areas which needed attention so far as safety of women and girls is concerned on the campus. The areas identified by them  were the parking lots at various places, including Arts Block 1 and 2, USOL parking, Parking from the library towards the examination hall as well as Sector 25. Some of the reasons identified were lack of adequate lights, and shortage of security personnel. They also felt that whenever there is an issue of harassment of girls, often the girls are hesitant to file a complaint due to which they are also unable to take any action.  They agreed that eve teasing is not merely boys following girls or passing comments, but includes staring, gazing, honking of horns and such.

The Security personnel suggested that in order to increase the security and safety of girls and women on the campus, there is a need for an integrated effort of security, faculty and students. A committee can be set up comprising representatives from each of these which should respond immediately in case of need. There was also a suggestion to increase the number of female security so that the needs and problems of girls can be adequately addressed in times of need.

The Workshop ended with the students of the Department promising to make a voluntary team which would attempt to work in conjunction with the security personnel for creating a safe and gender friendly campus.