Across the globe, women face threats to their lives, health
and wellbeing for being overburdened with work and of their lack
of power and influence. The power dynamics that hinder the
quality of life of women are predominant, from the most personal
to the highly public levels of the society. There is enough
proof that women are discriminated and denied their right to
survival, attainment of resources and control over their
production. Gender socialization shapes their personalities thus
making them meek, pliant and subservient. When such a mindset
has already been enmeshed within our blatant forms of denials,
the stage has been set when the realization of women's rights
remains a remote possibility.
Though apparently it seems that the developed countries are in a
relatively better position with respect to the status of women,
the reality is that they too are nowhere near equality in
different spheres of life. In India, inspite of there being
constitutional provision for equal rights for both men and
women, in practice discrimination still reigns. The essential
role of Bethune College as Asia's first ever women's college in
the history of education for women over the past 142 years (1879
- 2021) can neither be denied nor be overlooked. The historic
role played by Bethune College in creating a major domain for
enlightened and empowered women is a well known fact. Apart from
contributing in the field of education, the students of this
College have made significant contribution to the freedom
movement. The College has also nurtured many eminent poets and
writers, teachers, Professor, Doctors, Performing artists and
other professionals in its glorious journey. Bethune College has
continued its relentless struggle to prepare women to emerge
into fully functioning individuals with their all round
development to get a firm foothold in this gender biased
society. In its endeavour to do so the College has constantly
engaged itself in organizing various activities.
According to 11th plan, the U.G.C. approved the establishment of
the Women's Studies Centre in Bethune College, which was
inaugurated on the 29th of January 2010. Currently, Dr.Nilanjana
Bagchi is the Director of the centre and faculties of various
departments of the college are its members.
Some of its tasks have been highlighted here that were taken up
from 2019-2021. More educational and sensitization activities
are in pipeline for the year.
A book with ISBN is to be launched soon in 2021 that will have
empirical papers and research articles covering women's issues.
Papers have been shortlisted and sent for review for this
purpose.
View Details...