International Women’s Day at AMU
Aligarh: Students and teachers across the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women on the International Women’s Day, an ode to inspiring women and a symbolic reminder of their historic journey as valiant achievers.
Faculty members and resident doctors of the Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) observed the Women’s Day at the Rural Health Training Center (RHTC), Jawan with awareness programmes on women health.
At the Primary School, Jawan they gave useful information on menstrual hygiene to the female students of reproductive age.
Faculty members and resident doctors also spoke on ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’, the theme for this year’s Women’s Day celebrations.
Dr Uzma Eram (Associate Professor) and resident doctors, Dr Sameena Ahmad, Dr Asma Aftab, Dr Danish, Dr Karthika, Dr Jabir and Dr Altaf spoke on gender equality, female education and health issues of women.
They also distributed sanitary napkins and iron, calcium and folic acid tablets.
At the Department of Physics, the Chief Guest of programme, Prof. Abha Lakshmi Singh (Former Dean, Faculty of Science) shared the UNSECO data on women representation and called for an immediate solution for increasing women participation in various fields.
Guest of Honour, Dr Salma Shaheen (Principal, Women’s Polytechnic) said the theme for Women’s Day 2022 celebrations, ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’ acknowledges the contribution of women and girls towards a sustainable future and their leading charge on climate change adaptation.
Prof Qamrul Hasan Ansari (Dean, Faculty of Science) shared anecdotes on achievements of women and drew attention to women rights and gender equality.
In the welcome address, Prof B P Singh (Chairman, Department of Physics) discussed ways to strive for a greater momentum towards gender equality.
Dr Jai Prakash conducted the programme and extended the vote of thanks.
In the symposium to mark the Women’s Day celebrations at the Department of Political Science, Dr Ghazala Jamil (Centre for the Study of Law and Governance, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi) delineated ‘Shifting Frames in Women Rights Discourse in India’.
She shed light on feminist movements and ways to work for women empowerment.
Renowned activist, Dr V Geetha in her lecture on ‘Neither Bread nor Roses: Feminism in these Troubled Times’ spoke about the condition of women in the downtrodden sections.
She also explained the objectives of various movements aimed at uplifting the status of women.
Prof Rachna Kaushal deliberated on contentious issues in women rights discourses.
Prof Iqbalur Rehman (Chairman, Department of Political Science) delivered the welcome address.
Adeeba Kidwai extended the vote of thanks.
Speaking on the Women’s Day 2022 theme, ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’, Dr Arshad Husain, Programme Coordinator, National Service Scheme (NSS) said: “Let us promote a ‘gender equal world’—free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination”.
“The purpose of celebrating Women’s Day is to recognise the contributions of women and raise awareness on gender equality. On this occasion, let us resolve to create an equitable and inclusive world”, he added.
Dr Juhi Gupta, Dr Shazia Farooq Fazli, Dr Mujahid Ali Khan, Dr Mohd Shakir, Mr Pankaj Tyagi and Dr Yasser Azim drew attention to the hardships faced by women on daily basis and spoke on why gender equality should be of utmost importance.
NSS student volunteers and faculty members attended the programme.
In the awareness programme on ‘gender equality’ to mark the Women’s Day observations at the AMU ABK High School—Girls, Prof Qudsia Tahseen (Officer on Special Duty), Dr Samina (Principal) and Dr Saba Hasan (Vice Principal) urged students to help forge a gender equal world and acknowledge the achievements of women and their increasing visibility.
Contests of essay writing and portrait making were also held to mark the occasion at the school.
Dr Farhat Parveen extended the vote of thanks.
At the Senior Secondary School—Girls, Samaira Anwer was declared the winner of the speech competition on ‘Problems and Challenges of Women Education in India’ held to observe Women’s Day.
Minarwa Raizada finished second in the speech contest, while Ilma Rizvi was placed third.
Addressing the students, Naghma Irfan (School Principal) discussed achievements and contributions of women in different spheres and stressed the necessity for working towards building a society free of all gender biases, stereotypes, gender parity and discrimination.
She also motivated the students to work hard and excel in all fields.