Workshop on Gender Sensitivity and Awareness at  Central University of Orissa: Sunabeda

Internal Complaints Committee has organised a workshops on Gender Sensitivity and Awareness on 03rd and 04th October 2018 for the Students, Research Scholars and University Staff Members (Teaching and Non-Teaching) at Central University of Orissa. Prof. Sita Venka, Professor of Management Studies and ICC Presiding Officer, University of Hyderabad was the chief speaker for both the workshops.

On the first day, the workshop was organised for University Staff Members (Teaching and Non-Teaching) that begins with the welcome address by Dr. Minati Sahoo, Presiding Officer, ICC, CUO. She emphasised on upholding the commitment of the University to provide an environment free of gender-based discrimination. This was followed by the Inaugural address by Honourable Vice-Chancellor where his emphasis was on the women education and economic independence that can leads to women empowerment and emancipation. Further for better reconciliation of work and private life for both women and men, gender equality is very essential.

Prof. Sita on the first day in her speech pointed out that education is a major force that will help to trigger the change. But this will occur only when teachers and learners are assisted in adopting classroom initiatives that reflect new images based on a positive gender equity ideology. Teachers and staff can play a great role by influencing young mind, by mentoring them, by shaping them inside and outside the classroom. She also pointed out that sexual harassment not only takes place at the personal sphere (home) but also within the workplace. She cautioned for not taking laws in his/her hand rather one must seek law through due process for redressal. She highlight about the process of dealing with sexual harassment. It is because of the complexity of life, there is need for sensitivity at personal and professional front. Further, it is the gender sensitization and awareness that can change the perception of the individuals. She concluded her lecture by emphasising on the continuation of respect for other gender.

On the second day, workshop for the students and research scholars was organized. In this workshop too, Prof. Sita stressed on gender equality and considered it as a strategy that has great potential to create desired change because it has the capacity to address both the practical and strategic needs of boys and girls of nations and the world at large. For this gender sensitization increases the sensitivity of people at large towards women and their problems. She urged the students to be constructive in their outlook and be the agents of change to transform the society.

After the deliberations, there was brain storming discussion in both the workshops among the participants. Finally, the event was concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr Sagarika Mishra, ICC member.