AMU valedictory event: ‘Imperative to mobilise society for prevention of violence against women’

The 16-day programme also featured a sensitisation workshop, interactive session, nukkad natak (street play), screening of short films, poster and slogan exhibition, among other events.

ALIGARH Members of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) -- including teachers and students -- batted for a world free of gender-based violence during the 16-day event ‘UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls’ held in the wake of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25- December 10).

During the event, prizes were distributed to the winners of poster and slogan writing contests, held to raise awareness of women’s issues. (HT Photo)

In the valedictory function held on Saturday, chief guest Dr Hameeda Tariq, a well-known pediatrician, said “This is a moment to reflect on, renew, amplify, and strategise to achieve commitments to eliminate violence against women. Since violence against women and girls remains a pervasive problem; it is imperative to mobilise society for the prevention of violence against women, raise awareness on the issue, promote advocacy in all spheres of life and create better opportunities for women.”

On the occasion, Professor Naima Khatoon, who was the Guest of Honour, said, “Domestic violence is an epidemic and by speaking publicly against it, we can challenge attitudes and show the world that gender-based violence will not be allowed.”

Another speaker Professor Seema Hakim, ICC’s presiding officer, said, “People across the country and the world need to understand that when we choose not to talk about domestic violence, we shy away from the issue. It is high time that we unite to show that violence against women will not be tolerated, in any form, any context, and any circumstance.”

During the event, prizes were also distributed to the winners of poster and slogan writing contests, held to raise awareness of women’s issues. The 16-day programme also featured a sensitisation workshop, interactive session, nukkad natak (street play), screening of short films, poster and slogan exhibition, panel discussions, awareness march to the university duck pond in collaboration with National Service Scheme (NSS) and lectures on women issues by faculty members from various departments and faculties. Copies of a handbook on gender sensitisation and women’s issues were also distributed to the teaching and non-teaching staff.

Professor Shamim Jahan Rizvi, Javed Said, Dr Nafis Faizi, Dr Fazila Shahnawaz, Dr Suboohi Afzal and Asifa Sultana also delivered talks on gender violence during the event. Meanwhile, Professor Sangeeta Singhal extended the vote of thanks and Adiba Naseem conducted the valedictory programme.