SRINAGAR: Govt. College of Education (GCoE) M A Road Srinagar today started a two day National Workshop on ‘Gender Audits: Crafting an Ecosystem of Equality’ in collaboration with WISCOMP (Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace), New Delhi.
The inaugural session started with ceremonial burning of the incense Peganum (Isband) by the chief guest, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Ashai, Director Colleges, UT of J&K and guests from WISCOMP, Delhi in the college auditorium. A melodious prayer was recited by a group of students of the college.
The Director Colleges, UT of J&K highlighted the importance of this workshop in the contemporary scenario. She emphasized the need for a change in mindset of the society towards Gender Sensitization.
Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen stressed that Gender Audits are needed in all Higher Education Institutions be it All Women Institutions or the Mixed Gender Institutions.
Dr. Meenakshi Gopinath delivered the keynote address where she emphasized upon women led development and G-20. She also lauded the transformation of college over the past several years in terms of quality, energy, spirit, etc.
She made a mention of the outcome of the Justice Verma Committee that pertained to the Nirbhaya case of Delhi in 2012 and termed it as a Magna Carta of Women’s Rights in South Asia. Integrity of body, mind and spirit and dignity are the two principles of Justice Verma Report, she emphasized.
Earlier, Principal of the college, Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naz in her welcome address highlighted the achievements of the institutions and the need of Gender Harmony in Higher Education Institutions.
Programme Coordinator, Prof. Rubeena Jabeen gave the backdrop of the workshop in which she highlighted the Sustainable Development Goals and emphasized that gender equality pertains to both men and women, and women need to be championed and involved in decision making to make the outcomes of the decisions more fruitful.
She also highlighted that Gender Audits have an important role in budgetary allocations.
Later, the guests were felicitated with mementos.
At the end of the session, the National Anthem was rendered by the whole audience.
The programme shall culminate on 18th of March, 2023.