Women Development Cell 2017-18

Session on “Gender Sensitization” 2017-18

PCER-Panvel organized a session on Gender Sensitization on 12th December, 2017. The guest speaker Mrs. Dolly James is a social work consultant at Navjeevan Centre and is currently working on the Transgender Reintegration Programme with the Navodaya Movement. In lucid and precise words, Mrs. Dolly James explained the concept of sex & gender and ‘LGBTIQ’ which stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer. She rightly pointed out that “The ultimate PROBLEM is the REJECTION of something you know nothing about and still refuse to UNDERSTAND.” She said that transpeople are seen as deviant, immoral and delusional. She went on to clarify that being a transgender is not a mental illness and it can be cured by treatment or counseling or marriage. She gave examples of transgenders who are popular in certain fields and have prestigious positions. She threw light on the fact that it is not enough that the Government makes policies for transgenders but it is important that we the people change our mindset and accept them-in our housing societies, in our workplaces, in religious places, in schools and colleges and in the society! She concluded by sharing the helpline number for transgenders and requested the to-be teachers to spread awareness and have a positive attitude towards the Transgender community.

Survey on the awareness and attitude of women towards PNDT Act-1994

The students of PCER-Panvel conducted a small research activity in the month of November and December 2017, in which data was collected from a sample size of 274 pregnant women with the help of a questionnaire. The result of the survey was very encouraging as majority of the women were aware that pre-natal sex determination is a punishable act and they were also against the termination of the female fetus. However, it was also found that a few doctors hesitated to give permission to collect data on such matters. It was also seen that a change of attitude still needs to be brought amongst the women and their families belonging to the lower strata of the society.

Women Health Awareness 2017-18

PCER-Panvel organized a session on Neck and Back Pain Management for the students on 11th November, 2017. The guest speaker was Dr. Ram Chaddha, a renowned Spine surgeon recently dean at the Apollo hospital, Navi Mumbai. With 27 years of experience, he holds international fellowships and has many awards to his credit. He explained to the students problems occurring with the spine in the easiest and simplest possible way. He gave information regarding multiple approaches to cure spine related issues. He threw light on how teachers and students could take care and manage their neck and back pain and also emphasized the fact that prevention is always better than cure. Thus he appealed to the students to have the right meal and exercise required for the body to keep away from such ailments.

Session on “Be Prepared Be Safe” 2017-18

Dr. Bhavna Dave, convener of the Women Development Cell, conducted a session on women safety for the B.Ed. students on 26th September, 2017. She gave the students useful tips on how to stay safe in public places, when living or travelling alone and in case of being followed by someone. She informed the students about useful mobile apps like – FightBack, Circle of 6, SOS whistle and Life 360 Family locator. She also showed them useful visuals which showed the women what to do and how to act when defense is the last resort. The Navi Mumbai and Mumbai police and state helpline numbers were also shared with the students. Such sessions help to instill a sense of confidence among the students and make them bold to face the challenges they face in their daily life as women.

Pillai group of institutions along with Soroptimist International, Bombay, Chembur celebrated International Women’s Day on 27th February, 2018. The Soroptimist Women Achievers Award was presented to Ms. Shaheen Mistri, an Indian social activist and educator, for her remarkable contributions to the society. She is the founder of Akanksha Foundation, an Indian non-profit educational initiative in Mumbai and Pune. She is also the CEO of Teach For India since 2008. The staff and students of PCER-Panvel actively participated in this programme.