Special Web Lecture by Jaya Phukan, Department of Women Studies, Barkatullah University, on Women and Livelihood, was held at B.R Ambedkar University of Social Sciences, Mhow, under the one-month long web of academic activities organised on the topic “Gender Sensitivity and Related Issues”.

Jaya Phukan said that the principles of Gender Equality and Fundamental Rights are depicted in the “Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Aims for women empowerment are included in the developmental policies, laws and programs of our democratic country. Women are facing challenges in every field due to the patriarchal social system.

Even after many Government schemes, the gender gap is not filled till now. She further said that rural women are dependent on men for their livelihood and survival. The distribution of  labor is done in such a way that the work done by women is not considered  as productive work and their  works are not evaluated  economically. Women have not been able to make their identity yet due to illiteracy, lack of awareness and  lack of training, etc. We have to identify the needs of such women and develop their capabilities by making  policy and  planning. Through Education, training and skill development,  women can become empowered and can decide and ensure their role in the development of family, society and the nation.

Giving the Presidential address, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor  Prof Asha Shukla said that due to lack of clarity of policy and planning, women have been exploited for centuries. Incidents of atrocities on women have increased during the Covid-19 period due to the patriarchal social system.