Promoting equality: Sensitisation campaign ends at LCWU

LAHORE: A seven-month-long project launched with an aim to encourage gender institutionalisation through gender sensitisation of students, faculty and non-teaching staff in public sector universities came to an end at the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) on Monday.

The concluding ceremony of the campaign titled Institutionalisation of Gender Sensitisation and Gender Training Materials in Public Sector Universities was held at the university on Monday.

The Institute of Education (IOE) Director Dr Nusra Inayat welcomed the guests and gave a brief introduction of the project.

The purpose of the project is to encourage and develop students’ ability to raise questions, develop the prospective teachers’ sensitivity to students’ needs and interests as well as integrate gender studies to increase sensitivity not only on matters of gender, but also on matters of class, race, and ethnicity.

Faculty In-charge, Department of Professional Studies IOE and Project Manager Dr Asma Shahid Kazi highlighted the purpose and outcomes of the sub-grant, which aimed at developing the prospective teachers’ sensitivity to students’ needs and interests. It also aimed at equipping them with knowledge to safeguard their interests against gender based discrimination, harassment, violence and stereotyping. The event showcased the various activities through pictorials and testimonials of the beneficiaries of the project.

Aurat Foundation Resident Director Mumtaz Mughal shared the vision and purpose of the organisation and its commitment to improve the gender discrepancy prevalent in Pakistan through various projects. The Grant Cycle 12 B focuses specifically on strengthening gender equity of Public Sector Universities of Pakistan.

LCWU Vice-Chancellor Dr Rukhsana Kausar encouraged students and faculty members to utilise their potential and contribute effectively for the betterment of the society.

Deans, directors and heads of departments of LCWU and other universities, students of LCWU attended the event. This project was being implemented under the Gender Equity Program (GEP) of Aurat Foundation by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Lahore.

Source: The Express Tribune