Udupi: Gender Audit focusing safety - must in Schools and Colleges: Dr P Indira

Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 16 Dec 2014: Gender audit focusing safety is a must in schools and colleges, said Dr P Indira, retired Professor and former chairperson of the department of sociology and director of International Centre at University of Mysore.

 

Dr Indira was delivering the keynote address during daylong UGC sponsored National Seminar on Safety of girl students on campus and in society: Challenges and remedies organised by St Mary’s College, Shirva, near here on Tuesday December 16.

 

Dr Indira further said, ‘Educational institutions should transform the minds of people to have a ‘Gender just’ society. Instead of asking a girl why you come late after 6.00pm, we should create an atmosphere where a girl can even come home after 6.00pm. The society, parents and authorities should work for the safety of women without blaming women.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Mary’s College correspondent Fr Stany Tauro in his presidential address said, ‘It’s everybody’s responsibility to ensure safety by fighting out women harassment and abuse. Media has done a wonderful work and today everyone is concerned on this issue,’ said Fr Stany.

 

Speaking on the occasion, St Mary’s College principal Professor Rajan V N said, ‘It’s the sad reality that we live in a violent society in which the fear of crime is ever-present. Personal safety has become an issue of importance today than before for girl students.’

 

Professor Rajan welcomed the gathering.  Professor Jacinta Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.

 

The key note session was followed by technical session wherein Professor Hilda Rayappan, the founder and director of Prajna Counseling Centre, Mangaluru said girls should create a ‘safety space’ around them and make everybody respect each other. The schools and colleges should have a ‘Trust Teacher’ with whom the students can share their problems. Students should be given an option to choose the trust teacher.

 

Suchithra Acharya, legal counsel of Northern Trust (US Bank), Bengaluru spoke on cyber safety and girls. P Ranjan Rao, chairman of Hindu Vidyadayini Sangha ®, Suratkal spoke on institutional role on safety of girls on campus and law.

 

Karkal ASP Annamalai spoke on girl students crimes and preventions.

 

Twenty-nine scholarly research papers were presented during the seminar.

 

German students Romy Dahlke and Zoe Vogel presented papers and shared views on the safety of girls in their society.

 

In the valedictory session the conference convener Professor Jacinta Fernandes was felicitated for the success of the conference.