Aligarh Muslim University organised International Conference on ‘Gender Equality for a Better World: Issues and Challenges’

Aligarh: A two-day online, International Conference on ‘Gender Equality for a Better World: Issues and Challenges’ organised by the Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in collaboration with University Grants Commission (UGC) was concluded. It stressed the importance gender equality as a human right for the foundation of a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

Speaking as the Chief Guest of the valedictory session, renowned paediatrician, Dr Hamida Tariq said, “Gender equality is essential for economic prosperity. A rise in women employment will increase the GDP of the country.”

She added that women invest most of their earnings on their families to provide better health care and education for their children. This in turn raises the education and living standards of common households.

“To awaken the people, it is the women who have to be awakened,” said Dr Hamida, while emphasising the need for gender sensitization.

The Guest of Honour, Nabila Jamshed, Public Policy Specialist, pointed out that studies have shown that women can do better, if provided with same resources as men.

Prof Kumkum Roy, Professor, Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi highlighted various aspects of female Buddhist monastic traditions of the Therigatha and the Bhikkuni Sangha in which women are as capable of reaching Nirvana (idyllic state) as men.

A panel discussion on ‘Gendered Violence: Issues and Challenges’ during the conference saw participations from Sumbul Rizvi (Principal Advisor on Internal Displacement, UNHC, Geneva), Aasifa Usmani (Senior IRIS Advocate Educator, London, UK), Dr Juhi Gupta (Assistant Professor, Centre for Women Studies, AMU) and Dr Sibghat Usmani (Research Fellow, Institute of Work and Health, Toronta, Canada).

Dr Kusumika Sarkar, Dr Sadaf Fareed, Dr Aisha Imtiaz and Lubna Irfan were involved in conducting the sessions.

Dr Fouzia Usmani extended the vote of thanks.