Panel discussion on ‘Gender-Based Violence’

Aligarh : The panelists made a strong plea for enhancing gender sensitivity to address the underlying causes of violence against women and girls in an online discussion on ‘Gender-Based Violence’ held on December 7.

The panel discussion featuring Prof Seema Kazi (Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi), Prof Azra Musavi (Director, Advanced Centre for Women’s studies, Aligarh Muslim University-AMU), Shariq Ahmed (Advocate, Supreme Court of India), Dr Tauseef Fatima (AMU) and Sheeraz Ahmed (AMU) was organised by the Advanced Centre for Women’s Studies, AMU in collaboration with the Indian Association for Women’s Studies (IAWS), Bharathidasan University; All India Women’s Studies Students’ Forum (AIWSSF) and Regional Association for Women’s Studies (RAWS) as a part of the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ on the theme, ‘UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls’.

Prof Seema Kazi reflected on the current condition of violence against women, gender-based violence and the many forms it takes in the context of conflict zones and pressed on the need for a positive change to improve the condition of women.

In the introductory remarks, Prof Azra Musavi aptly spelt out the contours of the concept and significance of the 16 Days of Activism, .She emphasised on the critical role that development practitioners can play in reducing gender-based violence.

Prof Azra also stressed on raising awareness and engaging on various aspects and effects of gender-based violence.

Shariq Ahmed highlighted various provisions in the law to address the issue.

Dr Tauseef Fatima and Sheeraz Ahmed stressed on the implementation of immediate steps to stop the increasing incidences of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and other issues related to gender-based violence.

The panelists also answered queries of students.

Yasmeen Mehmood moderated the programme and Sheeraz Ahmed extended the vote of thanks.