On 25th November 2016, Indialogue Foundation jointly organised a panel discussion with Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Kavita Krishnan, Secretary, All India Progressive Women’s Association; Prof Farhat Nasreen, Faculty Member, Jamia Millia Islamia; Shamina Shafiq, Former Member, National Commission for Women; Arfa Khanum Sherwani, journalist, Rajya Sabha TV; and Prof Nuzhat Parween, Dean, Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia were the five esteemed personalities on the panel.
The session was chaired by renowned academic, Prof Anjali Gandhi.
Among other issues related to violence against women, the panel taking a social and historical route deliberated on the existing safeguards to empower women while emphasizing the need for greater sensitization about women’s empowerment to ensure parity and progress.
Kavita Krishnan spoke of her long experience in efforts to countering violence against women and explained various forms of violence that are often not even recognised as such.
Prof Farhat Nasreen’s presentation on historical treatment of women in India drew particular applause from everyone in the Hall, including the panellists.
Shamina Shafiq highlighted the importance of engaging men if violence against women really has be eliminated.
Arfa Khanum Sherwani spoke about the disastrous impact of religious nationalism on women referring especially to the sufferings of women in conflict zones across the world. She has recently returned from a short trip to Iraq.
Prof Nuzhat Parween talked about why it is crucial to raise legal awareness among the masses so the victims of gender-based violence can avail their due rights under the law of the land.
Prof Sabiha Hussain, Honorary Director, Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies said that, “The day marks the raising awareness about myriad forms of violence committed against women globally and the challenges faced in curbing violence across nations and in society.” Prof Hussain said that the focus should be on changing the mindsets and on the need to bringing men on board to augur change in perception and approaches towards women.
The Registrar of the University, A P Siddiqui, who was also present at the event gave away the concluding remarks. M Behzad Fatmi, Research Fellow, Indialogue Foundation delivered the vote of thanks.
With the participation of dozens of students and number of faculty members of the University the program was a great success.
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