Women’s College, Calcutta, aims to establish “Gender Studies” for the students to demonstrate working knowledge of the field of gender studies and understand key theoretical approaches in the study of gender. For this motive the college introduced a gender sensitization cell, as per the UGC recommendation, 2013 and the ‘SAKSHAM’ Report, 2014 .
The college organized a week long programme for Gender Sensitization Cell under IQAC. The programme was inaugurated by Pravrajika Bhaswaraprana, Principal, Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Vivekananda Vidyabhavan. The cell has a nominated committee with Joint convenors Smt. Rakhi Banik, Faculty of the Department of Political Science and Smt. Sudipta Gupta, Faculty of the Department of English.
The Gender Sensitization Cell exists for the prevention / action against gender related issues. It looks into the grievances, complaints of students, teaching, non – teaching staff of the institution, especially in cases of Gender discrimination of backward classes. The cell has as its objectives -
- To create awareness programmes through lectures, seminars, talks, workshops, debates, showing films and documentaries etc.
- The cell also facilitates a gender – sensitive environment enabling women and men to maximize their potential.
- The cell tries to make a forum for open dialogue and discussion on gender issues.
- The cell deals with cases of sexual / psychological/emotional/physical harassment as per the capability of the college as an academic institution.
What is more, the college will take required initiative to conduct all the activities planned by the Gender Sensitization Cell (IQAC) and help to understand unique kind of gender related issues.
The GS Cell in Women’s College, Calcutta attempts to work towards understanding and analysing gender studies examining theoretical understanding as well as sensitisation concepts and terminologies. The Gender Sensitisation Cell exists to take action against gender inequality or discrimination, it looks into grievances and complaints of students, as well as teaching and non- teaching staff of the institution. The Cell deals with cases of sexual, psychological, emotional and physical harassment as per the capability of the college as an academic institution. The grievances submitted by the students or other staff are dealt with urgence, sensitivity and confidentiality.
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging on all fronts for every person. The GS Cell conducted activities online working towards its objectives during the pandemic. The college which caters towards the education of young women becomes a safe space for the discussion of gender equality.
The Cell in the academic year 2020-2021 worked to create awareness through lectures, seminars, talks, workshops, debates, films and documentaries screening. The gender-sensitive environment enables women and men of the institution to maximize their potential.
The Cell conducted an online seminar entitled “Sex and Gender- Housework Within a U- shaped Curve” on 3rd of June, 2021 with Smt Sanghita Bhattacharjee from the Department of Economics, Women’s College, Calcutta as the speaker.
The establishment of Women’s College, Calcutta and its objective to provide education to young women resonate with the aims and objectives of the Gender Sensitisation Cell which provides a safe forum for discussion and solutions creating a gender sensitive society.
