Series of events on women issues conclude at AMU
Aligarh : Teacher and student members of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) called for policymaking and resources dedicated to creating a world free of gender-based violence in the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women’ observations followed by a series of event spread over 16 Days on the theme, ‘UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls’
In the valedictory function on December 10, Saturday, the Chief Guest, Dr Hameeda Tariq (well-known pediatrician) remarked: ‘This is a moment to reflect on, renew, amplify, and strategize to achieve commitments to eliminate violence against women”.
“Since violence against women and girls remains a pervasive problem; it is imperative to mobilise society for the prevention of violations against women, raise awareness on the issue, promote advocacy in all spheres of life and create better opportunities for women”, she added.
The Guest of Honour, Prof Naima Khatoon said, “Domestic violence is an epidemic and by speaking publicly against it, we can challenge attitudes and show the world that gender based violence will not be allowed”.
“People across the Country and the world need to understand that when we choose not to talk about domestic violence, we shy away from the issue. It is high time that we unite to show that violence against women will not be tolerated, in any form, in any context and in any circumstance”, said Prof Seema Hakim (ICC Presiding Officer).
Dr Hameeda with Prof Naima, Prof Shaheen and Prof Seema Hakim also distributed prizes to the winners of poster and slogan writing contests held to raise awareness on women issues.
The 16-day programme also featured a sensitization workshop, interactive session, Nukkad Natak (Street Play), screening of short films, poster and slogan exhibition, panel discussions, awareness march to the university duck pond in collaboration with National Service Scheme (NSS) and expounding lectures on women issues by faculty members from various departments and faculties. Copies of a handbook on gender sensitization and awareness on women issues were also distributed to the teaching and the non-teaching staff.
Prof Shamim Jahan Rizvi, Javed Said, Dr Nafis Faizi, Dr Fazila Shahnawaz, Dr Suboohi Afzal and Asifa Sultana also delivered talks on gender violence.
Prof Sangeeta Singhal extended the vote of thanks and Adiba Naseem conducted the valedictory programme.