The Department-cum-Centre for Women’s Studies and Development and Centre for Human Rights and Duties, Panjab University, Chandigarh organized a special lecture

Chandigarh April 25, 2019

The Department-cum-Centre for Women’s Studies and Development and Centre for Human Rights and Duties, Panjab University, Chandigarh organized a special lecture on the theme ‘Gender Equality and Justice in 21st Century: Prospects and Challenges’ by Smt. Rekha Sharma Chairperson, National Commission for Women, New Delhi. 

Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women, discussed about the various problems and challenges faced by women in 21st Century and the biggest challenges mindset of society which needs to be changed from own family. She said that even in today’s time there are fewer opportunities to women in comparison to men. She emphasized that there is a need to provide equal opportunity to uplift the status of women. It is very important for women to earn and become financially secure and also 
be aware of their legal rights. While talking about Gender we should always emphasize on equal opportunities as Gender Justice means removing the discrimination based on gender. She also stressed that women are 50 percent of the total population and we are still struggling for 33 per cent reservation. There is a need to have a proactive and protective mechanism to protect the rights of the women and to provide them with the equal opportunities. She urged the youngsters to become aware of the women issues and to spread it too. 

Prof. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh, while quoting various scriptures, discussed how women were held at high position and were respected and worshipped as goddesses. He further said that this narrative has changed in 21st Century where women face numerous challenges. Although the law provides equal rights 
and opportunities to both men and women, but in reality, the situation is different. He emphasised the empowerment of women must begun at the family level and it will automatically lead to a change in the mindset of the society. 

Dr. Namita Gupta, Chairperson, Centre for Human Rights and Duties emphasized that we are already in 21st century and it is high time that we should have a society with equality and justice for both the genders in the society. She further stated that such interactive sessions must be held regularly to bring change in the mindset.

Dr. Rajesh K. Chander, Chairperson, Department-cum-Centre for Women’s Studies and Development emphasized that there is a need for multipronged strategy to change the mindset so that we have a gender equal and inclusive society. He stressed that the students must play a proactive role to bring change in the society. 

 The session ended with active participation of the audience by asking 
questions related to the theme of the lecture. The session was attended by senior officials, Chairpersons, Directors, faculty members, research scholars and students from diverse faculties of the University.