The Internal Complaints Committee organised a workshop on “Gender Sensitivity and Awareness” on October 3 and 4 for the students, research scholars and university staff members at the Central University of Orissa. Prof Sita Venka, Professor of Management Studies and ICC Presiding Officer, University of Hyderabad, was the chief speaker.
On the first day of the workshop the welcome address was given by Dr Minati Sahoo, Presiding Officer, ICC, CUO. She emphasised on upholding the commitment of the university to provide an environment free of gender-based discrimination. This was followed by the inaugural address by the Vice-Chancellor where his emphasis was on the women education and economic independence that can lead to women empowerment and emancipation. Prof Sita pointed out that education is a major force that will help to trigger the change.
But this will occur only when teachers and learners are assisted in adopting classroom initiatives that reflect new images based on a positive gender equity ideology, she said.
On the second day, Prof Sita stressed on gender equality and considered it as a strategy that has great potential to create desired change because it has the capacity to address both the practical and strategic needs of boys and girls.