A three-day international seminar ‘QS in Conversation’ in collaboration with Banasthali Vidyapith and QS was inaugurated recently with a grand opening at Choki Dhani, Jaipur. Mandy Mock, CEO, QS Asia, welcomed delegates from 23 countries. She set the tone of the seminar and articulated that the deliberation would address the question of Women’s higher education, leadership and social innovation. The key note speaker, Aicha Bah Diallo from Africa emphasised upon the role of youth particularly in leadership and social innovation.
The second day of seminar began with Monk recounted that women’s higher education is needed as it is pivotal for economic, social, political development which can bring cohesive growth and will break glass ceiling. While informing delegates and representatives, Professor Aditya Shastri, vice-chancellor, Banasthali University, said: “There are 80 participants from 23 countries to discuss women’s higher education and how it is to be looked at”. He applauded the commendable job done by QS.
Her Highness Princess, Diya Kumari, Member of legislative Assembly, Rajasthan, talked about women’s education and nation building said: “Banasthali Vidyapith has been doing a great work as it has been building the nation and its effort is amazing and matchless. More and more people should take inspiration from Banasthali Vidyapith. More such universities for women are needed.”
Ashwin Fernandes, regional director, QS-India talked about the under representation of women in higher education but he also said that “Banasthali Vidyapith has been imparting education to women since a long time. It is beyond writing and above any ranking”.
Prof Pam Rajput, Prof Emeritus, Panjab university, Dr Vanita Shastri, Dean of UG programme, Ashoka University and many other emphasised upon the need of separate women education for leadership and social innovation.
The second session of the day deliberated upon national development and policy initiatives in Women’s Higher Education. Tom Rudin talked about Gender bias society and Stereotypes which have controlled women. He said that by promoting work flexibility and conflict resolution, the life of the woman may be improved. Dr Syerina syahrin, deputy director, international office, Malaysia highlighted about different ratio of man and woman in different courses. She further said that, English language may become a link language between different cultures. Dr Ramesh Madan, principal, All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) said that Women empowerment is full of dichotomies and ambivalence.
Session three was exclusively devoted to debate by nine distinguished panelists on “Gender Specific Education is essential for the Advancement of Women in Society”. The session came to its closure with a remark of Prof Aditya Shastri, when he said: “Women education must be seen with women perspective alone”.
The last session of the second day had speakers including Dr Wan Fatima, Malaysia; Prof Dwikorita Karnawati, Indonasia; Dr Clarita Dl Carillo, Philippines and Prof Kevin Hall, Australia to discuss on “Higher Education for Women as a Catalyst for Social Innovation”.