A Workshop on “Gender Sensitisation”

IMI Bhubaneswar witnessed a transformative event on December 19, 2023, as the Gender Sensitization Workshop. This workshop was a signal of enlightenment and started with 2, or 3 videos about gender inequality, and gender-related issues to put the problem behind it and as a citizen or person living in a community what is their duty to solve it.

“Inequality is being learned and Equality needs training.” - This statement by the facilitator means that individuals are acquiring the concept of inequality through various sociocultural discriminatory practices, biased attitudes, or unequal structures within a community or society. It suggests that rather than inherent or natural, inequality is often a learned behavior or belief system. Achieving equality requires intentional education and training to foster a fair and inclusive mindset.

Focusing on issues of social & cultural restrictions, social stigma, biological differences, and under- representation of a particular gender. Giving adequate training to the employees of the workplace by discussing gender-related issues as considered taboo, further increases the level of interaction, and makes employees more accordingly to gender-specific needs also a brief view of formulated policies related to this like Act-POSH (2013), VISHAKA GUIDELINES- set of guidelines that were intended to protect women at the workplace. The facilitator also highlighted about LCC (Local Complaint Committee) and ICC (internal Complaint Committee) and explained to students how they work.

Key takeaways included the evolution of the status of women from Ancient India, expected roles, stereotypes of color discrimination upon gender, and trying to magnify the point on the topic of the difference between Gender and Sex. The workshop aimed at cultivating awareness, fostering sensitivity towards gender-related issues, and nurturing a culture of respect and equality. The students actively participated in discussions and interactive sessions.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the participants, organizers, and esteemed facilitators who made this workshop a resounding success.