In the backdrop of the University Grants Commission recommending statutory departmental status for women studies centres in universities, participants of a consultative seminar on ‘Women's Studies and Community Action: Issues and Challenges', organised here recently, called for appropriate amendments to statutes and rules of the university in accordance with the policy statement of UGC's 11 Plan.
The demand was adopted as a resolution at the end of the day-long meeting held at St. Joseph's College. The participants expressed concern over ignorance of the uniqueness of women's studies, despite the UGC according a special thrust, in academic and administrative realms. The meeting was organised by SWATE Pengal Iyyakkam and WIND TRUST.
Comprising faculty members, women's studies directors, research scholars, staff and students, and women activists, the participants requested the State government to pave way for a proactive role by women's studies centres to bring about socio-economic and cultural transformation in the lives of women.
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Speakers at the meeting explained that the University Grants Commission has established several women studies centres to make a big difference in the lives of women through intellectual and extension programmes. The activities of the centres for women studies as per the UGC guidelines include extension activities in the community for women empowerment and social transformation, alongside developing new knowledge through teaching and research.