WOMEN’s EMPOWERMENT CELL

“I measure the progress of a community with the degree of progress women have achieved.” – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

The Women's Empowerment Cell at Surendranath Law College is committed to the cause of addressing the concerns and advocating the rights of female students, teachers and female staff of the institution. The cell strives to develop a liberal space where its members initiate and open conversations on pressing social issues of domestic violence, oppressive intimate relationships, sexual harassment etc with an aim to educate and involve both students and faculty members about the still existing power structures of patriarchy around us.

The Women's Empowerment Cell plays a vital role in promoting gender equality, preventing gender-based discrimination and harassment, and creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment where women can thrive and succeed. Through its various functions and initiatives, the cell strives to empower women, raise awareness about gender issues, and foster a culture of respect, equality, and dignity. Apart from the intrinsic value of setting up the Cell in support of women, the events held by the cell educate and inform law students on issues involving legal cases and courtroom proceedings that are relevant in their professional lives.

With the AIM of fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for women, the Women's Cell undertakes various functions and initiatives as listed below:

Awareness Programs: The Women's Cell organizes awareness programs and workshops on issues such as gender equality, sexual harassment, women's rights, and empowerment. These programs aim to educate both women and men within the college community about gender-related issues and promote a culture of respect and equality.
Counselling, Support and Security: The Women's Cell provides counselling and support services to female students, faculty, and staff who may be experiencing any form of harassment, discrimination, or other gender-related challenges. Trained health professionals and counsellors offer a safe and confidential space for individuals to discuss their concerns and receive guidance and support. CCTV cameras been installed in the college premises with aim of providing security to female students and staff and to curb the possibility of crimes against women.
Internal Committee & Grievance Redressal: The Women's Cell serves as a platform for addressing grievances related to gender-based discrimination, harassment, or any other issues faced by women within the college. It provides a mechanism for women to report incidents of harassment or misconduct in a safe and supportive environment for the complainant where privacy and confidentiality of the complaint is ensured and appropriate action is taken to address their concerns.
Legal Aid and Assistance: In collaboration with legal experts and organizations, the Women's Cell offers legal aid and assistance to women who may need support in navigating legal processes related to gender based violence, discrimination, or other legal matters. This includes educating women about relevant laws and regulations and connecting women with resources and support networks within and outside the college.
Sensitization Programs: The Women's Cell conducts sensitization programs for students, faculty, and staff to promote gender sensitivity and create a more inclusive and respectful campus environment. These programs aim to challenge stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminatory attitudes and foster a culture of understanding, empathy, and support for gender diversity.
Celebrating Women's Achievements: The Women's Cell celebrates the achievements and contributions of women within the college community through events, workshops, and recognition programs. By highlighting the successes of women in various fields, the Women's Cell aims to inspire and empower other women to pursue their goals and aspirations. Every day is Women’s Day as struggles for equality, gender justice, gender parity and the need for continued advocacy and action worldwide is a daily struggle for women. Nevertheless, the International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th, a global day acknowledging the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The WDC of Surendranath Law College celebrates the International Women’s Day to honour the achievements and progress that women have made, and also to highlight the ongoing struggles for equality and the need for continued advocacy and action worldwide.

ROLE AND DUTIES OF WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT CELL

To address the concerns of and advocate for the rights of the female students, faculty and staff of the institution.
To strive to develop a liberal space where its members initiate and open conversations on pressing social issues that subordinate and oppress women.
To organise awareness programmes on the promotion of gender sensitivity, gender equality, prevention of gender-based discrimination and harassment.
To sensitize the students on the need to create a supportive and inclusive campus environment, where women can thrive and succeed in a culture of respect, equality, and dignity.
To provide counselling and support services to female students, faculty, and staff who may be experiencing any form of harassment, discrimination, or other gender-related challenges.

To invite trained health professionals and counsellors and offer a safe and confidential space for individuals to discuss their concerns and receive guidance and support.
To ensure that CCTV cameras have been installed in the college premises to provide security to female students and staff and to curb the possibility of crimes against women in the campus.
To coordinate, assist and collaborate with the Internal Committee to jointly address grievances, if required, related to gender-based discrimination, harassment, or any other issues faced by women within the college.
To collaborate with legal experts and organizations to offer legal aid and assistance and information about relevant laws and regulations for the safeguard of women in the campus.
To coordinate and collaborate with other cells and clubs in the celebration of Women’s Day in the college community by organizing events, workshops, and recognition programs.