Sixteen-day webinar series concludes on Human Rights Day
An insightful and detailed debate on the boarder framework of gender equality marked the 16-day webinar series of The Advance Center for Women’s Studies, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in association with the Bharathidasan University and the Indian Association for Women’s Studies (IAWS). It was concluded on the International Human Rights Day and perceptive deliberations on gender prevention of domestic violence, respect for women rights, workplace discrimination and women's suffrage were held.
Speaking on ‘Discrimination and Gender Based Violence’ in an online panel discussion, renowned human rights lawyers, Tulika Srivastava (Executive Director, Women’s Fund Asia) pointed out: “Women around the world nevertheless regularly suffer violations of their human rights. Achieving equality between women and men requires a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which women experience discrimination and are denied equality so as to develop appropriate strategies to eliminate such discrimination”.
“We need to understand that denying women and girls their human rights is discrimination and appropriate steps need to be immediately taken to correct things”, she said.
Explaining the interconnectedness between Discrimination and Gender based Violence, Niti Saxena (Freelance consultant and former Executive Director of Association for Advocacy and Legal Initiatives) emphasised: “Promoting gender equality is a critical part of violence prevention. The relationship between gender and violence is complex. Evidence suggests, however, that gender inequalities increase the risk of violence by men against women and inhibit the ability of those affected to seek protection”.
“Even as the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that the overall crime rate against women has reduced in the year 2020; cases of cyber-crime against women have doubled since 2019”, she said.
Prof Azra Musavi (Director, Advanced Centre for Women's Studies) said that the International Human Rights Day observations are imperative for raising awareness about people’s social, cultural and physical rights and to ensure the welfare of everyone.
“This day reminds humanity of the rights they deserve, and unfortunately also the rights they violate. This day is also reminder for finding the much needed sustainable solutions for deep-rooted forms of discrimination that have affected the most vulnerable people in societies, including women and girls”, she said.
Prof Azra also introduced the speakers.
Speaking in the session on ‘End Violence Against Women’, Dr Ishita Mukhopadhyay (Economics Professor at the Calcutta University and President, IAWS) said that even though times are changing as both men and women are raising voice against gender based violence; it is still very important to listen and believe the survivors of gender violence and teach the next generation about gender equality to ensure that women in all their diversity live a life free of violence and coercion.
Prof Manimeklai stressed the need for more such collaborative events to raise awareness on human rights and women issues throughout the year.
In the welcome address, Dr Juhi Gupta said that AMU is committed towards gender equality and this series of webinars has been a great opportunity for connecting with other universities to explore strategies for ending violence against women.
Sheeraz Ahmad extended the vote of thanks.
The 16-day webinar series featured over 100 participants from 16 different universities.
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