by Insha Shirazi

SRINAGAR: The Institute of Advanced Studies in Education (IASE) M A Road Srinagar recently hosted a two-day workshop titled “Gender Audits Crafting an Ecosystem of Equality” in partnership with Women in Security Conflict and Peace Management (WISCOMP). The opening session was inaugurated by the Director of Higher Education, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Prof. Dr. Yasmeen Ashai, along with other guests from WISCOMP, Delhi, and marked by the lighting of the Isband. Additionally, a musical prayer was recited by a group of college students who are also members of the College Culture Committee.

During the workshop, the program coordinator, Prof. Rubeena Jabeen, highlighted the significance of gender equality in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. She stressed that it’s not just about women, but also involves men, and that women’s participation in decision-making is crucial for ensuring positive outcomes. Prof. Jabeen also emphasized the importance of gender audits in financial allocations, emphasizing their role in promoting equal opportunities for all genders.

In the two-day workshop, the keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Meenakshi Gopinath, who is the founder and director of WISCOMP. She focused on women-led development and the role of the G-20 in promoting gender equality. Dr. Gopinath also commended the college for its significant progress in terms of quality, enthusiasm, and energy in recent years.

Meanwhile, the chief guest, Prof. Dr. Yasmeen Ashai, emphasized that gender disparity is a social construct that can be changed by teaching children to become responsible and contributing members of society. She urged for a shift in attitudes towards gender inequality and stressed the importance of collaboration between men and women, especially in societies where gender disparities exist at various levels. WISCOMP’s team organizes the two-day program and works on addressing these challenges nationwide.

On the second day of the workshop, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Dr. Neelofar Khan, graced the event as the chief guest during the validation session. Dr. Seema Naz, the principal of the government college of education, presented her with a memento. Several guests from different Kashmiri colleges also attended the workshop and some of them presented papers related to the theme.

During the program, Dr. Neelofar delivered a lecture and highlighted the importance of gender sensitization, commending the college’s positive efforts towards this crucial issue. She also expressed her appreciation for the college and praised Prof. Seema Naz for maintaining high standards. At the conclusion of the event, certificates were distributed to the paper presenters.

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