Two Day’s Workshop on “Gender Sensitization” was organized, by the Hon’ble Committee for Sensitization of Family Court Matters, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad on 07th & 08th December, 2024 for Family Court Judges (Varanasi Cluster) at the Judicial Training & Research Institute, U.P., Lucknow, in which the Judicial Officers of Family Court from districts Varanasi, Azamgarh, Ballia, Bhadohi, Chandauli, Deoria, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Mau, Mirzapur, Pratapgarh, and Sonbhadra participated.
The objective of the workshop is to familiarize the Judicial Officers regarding the concept of Gender, to make officers aware of and sensitive to gender stereotypes, and to enable them to recognize gender biases in their homes and workplace.
The Workshop was inaugurated on 07th December, 2024 by Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Sangeeta Chandra, Judge, Allahabad High Court at Lucknow and Chairperson, Committee for Sensitization of Family Court Matters & Hon’ble Mr. Justice Om Prakash Shukla, Judge, Allahabad High Court at Lucknow and Member, committee for Sensitization of Family Court Matters.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Om Prakash Shukla in his inaugural address stressed the significance of gender sensitization and the pressing need to discuss gender issues in the present scenario. Justice Shukla emphasized the need for eliminating stereotypes and importance of spreading awareness regarding gender issues, as enshrined in the Constitution of India and expressed hope that the workshop will help the Judges of Family Court in the efficient discharge of their duties.
The sessions in the workshop were presided by Prof. Sumita Parmar & Dr. Archana Singh along with Saajhi Duniya team. The workshop module was designed to be interactive and discussion-oriented with a view to change perceptions regarding gender.
Prof. Sumita Parmar introduced the framework of these two days workshop and expressed gratitude for continuous efforts of the Hon’ble Committee for Sensitization of Family Court Judges to better understand the spirit of gender equality while deciding cases.
Professor Roop Rekha Verma addressed the august gathering, sharing her experiences and field work, quoting numerous instances of gender inequality practiced in society. She also stressed the need for ‘understanding gender’.
(Ice-breaking) Session One started by explaining the existing workplace scenario and the role of gender in it. The session was presided by Prof. Sumita Parmar and Dr. Archana Singh.
The Second Session discussed the core concept of Gender. It stressed on the difference between sex and gender. The Role of Patriarchy was also discussed.
Session 3 elaborated on gender stereotypes.
On Day Two – The role of gender in language and gender in the judiciary was discussed with interactive discussions and video clippings.
The last session traversed the decoding or interrogating cultural constructs. It was followed by concluding remarks by Prof. Sumita Parmar.
In the Valedictory Session of Workshop, The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Jaspreet Singh, Judge, Allahabad High Court at Lucknow and Member, Committee for Sensitization of Family Court Matters stressed the role of gender in both private life and workplace. He congratulated the resource persons and the participating Judicial officers for the successful organization of the two days’ workshop.
