Gender Sensitization workshop at CWS

Aligarh : To spread awareness that cultivates a sensitivity to create a more inclusive and safe society for all, a workshop on ‘Gender Sensitization: A Step Towards Inclusivity’ was held at the Advanced Centre for Women’s Studies (CWS), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

The programme was conducted under the University Grants Commission (UGC), Gender Champion Scheme aimed to raise gender equality among students and to create positive social norms that value the girls and their rights in campus premises.

“Every year with this workshop, responsible leaders from among students are selected as Gender Champions to facilitate an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, understanding the socio-cultural constructions of gender that shape the experience of women and men. UGC has issued guidelines and shared with all educational institutions to implement it”, said Prof Azra Musavi (Director, CWS).

She added that CWS continues to work on the responsibility of implementing the Gender Champion Scheme at AMU which was entrusted to the Centre in 2016-17. CWS faculty members and teacher coordinators from other faculties are regularly in touch with the appointed Gender Champions to help students address gender issues.

“In future, we also plan to work with other faculty coordinators and departments for taking up similar activities for a more inclusive environment”, informed Prof Azra.

Faculty members, Dr Tarushikha Sarvesh and Sheeraz Ahmed, who were the respective coordinators and instructors of the workshop said: “In the workshop, participants were educated on various aspects of Gender Sensitization including social construction of Gender and Gender roles. They were apprised on issues related to gender including gender discrimination, stereotypes, prejudices and gender equality”.

“Students confront their own biases, which force them to question their own learning patterns. Through the discussions in the workshop the need for trust building was identified and a rethinking of the ideas of safety and security was found necessary to set up a safe and positive environment on university campuses and in the society”, they added.