Since 2005, as per regulations of Mumbai University, College Women Development Cell is working against sexual harassment in the college. Cell is consistently creating awareness among the students about gender discrimination and gender sensitization.
Activities:
Against the backdrop of social insecurity of women, increasing sexual harassment and gender stereotypes of the society, the Women’s Development Cell has implemented the following activities in the academic year 2012-13, emphasizing the three principles of ‘Awareness, Action and Follow-up’.
Compilation of medical information and contact information of the students for their immediate medical help was done in 2012-13.
Shilpa Zantye’s lecture was organized about women’s health and nutritious diet in 2012-13.
After the Delhi gang-rape case that shook the whole country, an anti-rape campaign was launched in collaboration with Nath Pai Sewangan Family Counseling Center. Under that, students ask, “Why does rape happen? And what can be done to stop it? ” These two questions were discussed on the basis of “Questionnaire” and “Answers given by the students”. The summary of this discussion was also published on the occasion of International Women’s Day through the booklet “Your question, the real context is ours” (“प्रश्न तुमचे, वास्तवातील संदर्भ आमचे”).
Sumedha Naik conducted a session on Adolescent Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Awareness in collaboration with Rotary Club, Malvan in 2012-13.
An appeal was made to change the mindset of male and female students while celebrating “Awareness Awareness Day” on 23rd January 2013. Suggestions were also sought from them at that time. · A wall paper titled “Jagar” dedicated to women’s life related literature, news, opinion polls, posters is displayed on the 1st of every month during 2012-13.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 8th March, 2013, the Women’s Development Cell has tried to create gender sensitivity through various sports in the innovative program “Gender Sesitization through Games”
Our college had participated in the “Jagar Jaaniwancha” campaign organized by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra. Under this campaign, Women’s Development Cell conducted “Information Competition” for 100 students. The best of these suggestions were sent to the government. In this competition, the college got “Second Number” in the district.
College students are heavily influenced by media and social media. Love and attraction among students in this age group is seen to be in conflict, which leads to many incidents. In order to solve this entanglement in the minds of the students, a dialogue session on “Prem Ki Asakti” (Love vs Attraction) was conducted in 2013-14 in collaboration with Milun Saryajani. Editor Geetali Vs. M. And Malvan representative Vaishali Pandit interacted with the students through Q & A.
Considering the alarming low level of hemoglobin among women in Sindhudurg district, as a step towards empowerment of the students, in 2013-14 the cell jointly organized a “Medical Guidance” session in association with the Alumni Association and Rotary Club, Malvan. In this session, gynecologist Dr. Shilpa Zantye provided detailed guidance through questions and answers on the causes of low hemoglobin, remedies, various menstrual problems, balanced diet, etc.
Cell is consistently creating awareness among the students about gender discrimination and gender sensitization. During the seven days NSS Camp 2014-15 we conducted a session namely “Power and Social Discrimination” (सत्तेचा मार्ग: सामाजिक विषमता) through various interesting social games.
Sumedha Naik attended the Two Day Workshop on ‘Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)Act 2013 and Related Issues’ jointly organised by Women Development Cell, University of Mumbai and S. H. Kelkar College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Devgad, Dist. Sindhudurg on November 26 & 27, 2015.
We actively participated in Happy to Bleed Campaign and created awareness about menstruation and taboos, beliefs related to that through social media in 2015-16.
On 6th March, 2016, we conducted an innovative programme for girl students on the occasion of International Women’s Day. We organised ‘Pre Marital Guidance Workshop’ of Ms. Vandana Karambelkar, Director, Niramay Trust, Sawantwadi. During first session she addressed the students on importance of career than marriage, responsibility in marriage, swot analysis of self, etc. In the second session students asked their quires about marriage, requisites of marital relationship, problems of parents, etc. It became an overwhelming session because of heavy flow of questions by students. Ms. Karambelkar, Prof. Sumedha Naik answered these questions at a length. The last session gave opportunity to students to share their experience about the workshop. 51 students actively participated in this workshop.
We actively participated in a Workshop ‘Mahila Ayog Tumchya Dari’ organised by State Women Commission and Women & Child Welfare Department, Sindhudurg District, Government of Maharashtra on 13th January, 2017. Our college students attended this workshop with enthusiasm. This workshop enlightened them about two Acts regarding Domestic Violence Prohibition and Sexual Harassment of women at workplace.