It drew 93 participants from across the country, including 63 women and 30 men, with representation from OBC, SC, and ST communities
KRC TIMES Barak Valley Bureau
Silchar: The Department of Social Work at Assam University, Silchar, has wrapped up a week-long online Short-Term Training Programme on “Understanding Gender, Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Gender Justice,” held from 1 to 6 December under the UGC-MMTTC programme.
The course aimed to deepen awareness and sensitivity around key gender concerns. It drew 93 participants from across the country, including 63 women and 30 men, with representation from OBC, SC, and ST communities.
Two visually challenged women also took part. Most were from the North Eastern region, though the cohort included scholars and professionals from other parts of India, especially from social sciences and humanities backgrounds.
The programme opened with an address by Prof. Asoke Kr Sen, Vice Chancellor (in-charge). This was followed by a keynote lecture from Prof. Ritu Dewan of the University of Mumbai on “Actualising Gender Equality: The India Experience,” setting the tone for a wide-ranging curriculum.
Across six days, resource persons from JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia, IIT Hyderabad, and Assam University led sessions on patriarchy, intersectionality, reproductive rights, digital gender politics, and sexual violence.
Present at the inauguration were Prof. R. Balakrishnan, Director, MMTTC; Prof. A. K. Singh, Deputy Director, MMTTC; Prof. Joyati Bhattacharya, Dean, School of Social Sciences; Prof. M. Tineshowri Devi, Hod in-charge, Department of Social Work; programme coordinators Dr. Ratna Huirem and Dr. Kathiresan L.; and research scholars from the department.
A key session was delivered by disability rights activist and national awardee Abha Khetarpal, who spoke on disability and sexuality, in line with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3.
The valedictory address was delivered by Prof. Indu Agnihotri, former Director of the Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi. She offered a historical overview of women’s movements in India and urged participants to engage critically with current shifts and pursue further research.
Programme coordinators Dr. Ratna Huirem and Dr. Kathiresan L. said the training provided participants with layered insights that will support more inclusive academic and professional conversations on gender justice.
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