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International Women’s Day was observed in a programme organized by the Pandu College Women’s Studies Centre (PCWSC) on 8th March, 2011 at the premises of Pandu College. The programme was inaugurated by the Principal of the College, Dr. Bhubaneswar Bora. In his speech, Dr. Bora highlighted on the significance of International Women’s Day and its relevance in Assam. He expressed his opinion that although Women’s Reservation Bill for 33 percent quota in the State Legislatures and Parliament has been passed, definite steps are yet to be taken for its proper implementation.
The Vice Principal of the College, Dr. Sadhan Choudhury felicitated the gathering on the occasion of International Women’s Day. He quoted that in spite of concerted efforts to control dowry deaths and female feticides, these are still continuing unabated in the country. He further emphasized on the constraints women face regarding issues like health, education, inheritance, physical and mental torture and employment. According to him gender discrimination is still on the rise and that women are continued to be sexually exploited because of their physical weakness. He adds that the mental and intellectual capabilities in women are much more pronounced than their male counterpart.
In her welcome address Dr. Aradhana Goswami spoke on the various challenges that women face today and added that for the empowerment of women it should start from the grassroots level. Various members of PCWSC gave lectures to celebrate the occasion. Dr. Chandana Sinha Roy stated that for the empowerment of our women there should be ample sensitization where through awareness opportunities can be created. Dr. Riju Kakoti in her lecture on Women managers in Higher Education asserted that our present socio political scenario needs to be overhauled and due recognition should be given to the capabilities and accomplishments of women managers. Indian democracy has crossed sixty three years of existence and it is high time that Indian women take an active role in the field of politics said Dr. Asha Sarma in her talk on Democracy and Indian Women. As policy makers they can remove many social evils relating to the common people. Angana Baruah and Dipanjali Haloi spoke at large on Globalization and Indian Women. The exploitation of female workers and their increased commoditization are areas of major concern to decrease the negative effects of globalization women organizations and NGOs must play active roles. Ruma Medhi delivered a talk on The Role of Women in the Development of Children explaining on the importance of the mother in rearing a child. Dr. Binita Tamuly Barman’s talk was on Trafficking in Women in North East Region of India and she claimed that the combination of poverty, ethnic conflict, unemployment, gender inequality and inadequate legislation are the major causes of trafficking. Dr. Navaneeta Baruah in her talk on ‘Gandhi and Women’ stated that Gandhiji always extolled the spiritual strength in women and laid stress on gender equality. On the occasion of International Women’s day Aparna Dutta Saha paid her tribute to Mrs. Hazel Handerson (Environmentalist, USA) and to Mrs. Wangari Mathai (leader of Greenbelt Movement, Kenya, Africa).
This was followed by an open forum and discussion of views in which many male members offered their valuable suggestions. A cultural programme showcased the talents and potential of its women members and the highlights were Rabha Sangeet, Biya Naam and Jhumur Dance. The whole function was conducted by the secretary of PCWSC, Dr. Aradhana Goswami. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Purabi Devi
Dr. Jolly Baruah, Department of English |
