Fr. Agnel College of Arts & Commerce, Pilar, organized a Two-Day National Level Workshop on “Youth Exploring Gender Equality” on 4th and 5th February 2025 from 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM at Pilar Pilgrim Centre. Representing the Women’s Cell of VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics, Margao, three M.Com Part II students, namely, Mr. Alrich Raniel Fernandes, Mr. Ivon Nazario Fernandes and Mr. Shriyank Raikar participated in the workshop.
Day 1: Sessions & Key Highlights
The first day began with registration, followed by an inaugural function to officially commence the workshop. Students from the Political Science Department presented a mime on gender equality, creatively highlighting the theme.
The keynote address, titled “Bringing the Scales on Par,” was delivered by Prof. N. Murugeswari, Director & Head of the Department of Women’s Studies, Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu. She discussed systemic and societal factors contributing to gender inequality and explored potential solutions.
The next session, “Rethinking Gender Justice,” was led by Adv. Albertina Almeida, a lawyer and human rights activist from Goa. She delved into legal frameworks and challenges in achieving gender justice. Dr. Ranjana Ferrao, Associate Professor, V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar, Goa, conducted an insightful session on the “Purple Campaign for Gender Equality,” shedding light on its history, significance, and impact of the Purple Campaign in advocating for gender rights.
Participants were provided with tea breaks and lunch, ensuring a comfortable learning environment. Despite minor delays, the day successfully provided a comprehensive overview of gender equality issues through expert insights.
Day 2: Focus on the Purple Campaign
The second day centered around the “Purple Campaign for Gender Equality,” featuring sessions by:
- Prof. Shaila Desouza
- Dr. Sulochana Pednekar
- Ms. Vithai Zaraunker
All three speakers are associated with the Women’s Studies Programme at the D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, Goa University. Their sessions provided an in-depth understanding of the campaign’s strategies, objectives, and achievements.
The workshop concluded with a valedictory session after lunch, summarizing key takeaways, reflections, and discussions from the event. Participants were again provided with refreshments and meals, maintaining an interactive and engaging environment throughout.
The workshop provided valuable insights into the importance of gender equality, fostered awareness, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility among participants, inspiring them to take meaningful steps toward gender justice. The diverse range of speakers and topics provided a well-rounded exploration of the subject, covering legal, social, and activist perspectives.
Expected Outcomes from the Workshop
The workshop provided valuable insights into the importance of gender equality and ways to actively promote it. Students learned about various campaigns and initiatives advocating for equality. The interactive activities encouraged participants to analyze real-life gender issues and explore ways to contribute toward a more equitable and inclusive society
