GUWAHATI, March 7 - The departments of political science, history and geography of Royal Global University (RGU) celebrated International Women�s Day in the university premises on Friday, said a press release.
Padma Shree awardee and Editor of The Shillong Times Patricia Mukhim, noted writer Mitra Phukan and former head of the Department of Women�s Studies, Gauhati University Dr Alpona Borgohain interacted with the students and faculty on the occasion.
In her address to the students, Mukhim wondered, �International Women�s Day; do we celebrate or agitate?� She touched upon off-beat topics like molestation by members in the family, issues of paedophiles and other criminals who go unpunished due to fear of social taboos. She spoke on the unheeded and unnoticed labour of women in their households and outside, the everyday struggles of women like vendors for daily wage, the need for creches in the country to prevent women from dropping out of their jobs during the period of their maternity, etc. She also spoke about women in the workforce and gender disparity, pointing to the fact that the number of women contributing to the economy is minimal in contrast to their male counterparts.
Mukhim, Phukan, Dr Borgohain and Satyakee D� Com Bhuyan took part in a panel discussion on women�s health and hygiene where they highlighted the importance of being open and rational about women�s health and hygiene issues, especially with regard to women�s menstrual hygiene. They spoke at length about the taboos in society relating to menstruation, seeking ways to bring about changes in the mindset of the people and means to enable women empowerment.
Prof Alok K Buragohain, Chairperson (Academic) RGU, pointed to the stereotyped attitude towards women and called for challenging prejudice and fighting for equity. In this context he highlighted works by Simone de Beauvoir and other noted authors. He also made an important point that Indian women are �double colonised�, by the British and also by the patriarchal society.
Women�s Day at SBI: State Bank of India celebrated International Women�s Day on Friday at its Local Head Office, Guwahati. Four outstanding women in their respective fields were felicitated on the occasion, said a press release.
The women who were felicitated included Samita Devi Laihaorungbam, staff nurse, Apollo Hospitals, Guwahati; Papori Saikia, staff nurse, GMCH; Ranjumoni Hazarika, Traffic Branch, Dispur Police Station and Junmoni Khaklary, Traffic Branch, Dispur Police Station.
The function organised on the occasion was attended by Sunil Kumar Tandon, CGM, SBI North Eastern Circle; members of SBI Ladies Club led by Veenu Tandon and other staff of the Local Head Office. A lucky draw was held for the lady staff members present at the function.
Meet on breast cancer marks Women�s Day: The Guwahati College Women Forum, in collaboration with NGO Rodali, organised an awareness meeting on breast cancer on Saturday as a part of International Women�s Day celebration.
Dr Bhabesh Das, surgical oncologist, spoke about breast cancer and Dr Ayona Borthakur, gynaecologist, talked about reproductive health of women in the event where Dr Jayantimala Chakroborty and Dr Arunima Goswami were also present. Faculty members, students and employees of the college took part in the meeting where Principal Dr P Sandilya briefed about the doctor-patient relationship. The meeting was presided over by Dr Rita Mahanta and coordinated by Dr Pinky Baruah.
