A one-day workshop on “Gender Sensitization” was held on 14 December 2025 at the Judicial Training & Research Institute, U.P., under the guidance of the Hon’ble Committee for Sensitization of Family Court Matters, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. Family Court Counsellors from across Uttar Pradesh participated in the programme, which was designed as a highly interactive learning experience.
The workshop sought to deepen participants’ understanding of gender as a social construct, help them identify commonly held stereotypes, and develop awareness of how gendered perceptions shape both personal interactions and professional conduct. The overall objective was to encourage thoughtful engagement and promote equitable, unbiased practices within the framework of family court counselling.
Director, JTRI and GenSen Committee, Lucknow University
lighting the lamp
The programme began with an inaugural session addressed by Ms. Rekha Agnihotri, Director, Judicial Training & Research Institute, U.P. In her remarks, she observed that gender sensitization is a broad and inclusive concept, rooted in sensitivity towards humanity itself. She emphasized that gender sensitization requires sensitivity towards both men and women. Highlighting the crucial role of counsellors at the initial stages of resolving matrimonial disputes, she underscored the need for them to approach their responsibilities with a keen awareness of gender-related issues.
She further stressed the importance of recognising and addressing ingrained biases and stereotypical thinking to ensure that the dignity and equality of all individuals are upheld during the counselling process. She concluded by expressing the hope that the workshop would motivate participants to adopt and apply gender-sensitive perspectives in their day-to-day professional roles.
Km. Rekha Agnohotri, Director, Judicial Training & Research Institute
addressing the participants
The academic sessions were conducted by Prof. Roli Misra, Dr. Prashant Shukla, and Dr. Sonali Roy Choudhury, members of the Gender Sensitization (GenSen) Cell at the University of Lucknow. The training design relied on discussion, group participation, and reflective exercises to help counsellors reassess their assumptions and attitudes.
During her session titled “Gender in Society (Patriarchy and Stereotypes)”, Prof. Roli Misra examined how social structures, institutions, and interpersonal experiences shape gender roles. She discussed widespread stereotypes, their influence across professional and domestic settings, and methods for identifying and countering unconscious bias. Participants contributed actively, sharing their perspectives on how societal expectations affect behaviour and decision-making in Family Courts.
Dr. Prashant Shukla delivered a session on “Gender Sensitization in Ancient India”, tracing the evolution of patriarchal norms and their continuing effect on contemporary social and legal systems. By analyzing historical patterns, participants were encouraged to consider how deep-rooted power structures persist and why a critical understanding of these influences is important for counsellors engaged in sensitive dispute-resolution processes.
In the session on “The Nature of Matrimonial Disputes and their Recourse Through Legal Lens”, Dr. Sonali Roy Choudhury discussed the types of issues that commonly arise in matrimonial matters, the social and gender-related dimensions underlying such disputes, and the statutory remedies available under current law. Her presentation offered practical guidance relevant to counselling and the functioning of family courts, helping participants strengthen both their legal insight and their sensitivity while dealing with parties in distress.
Family Court Counsellors attending the Workshop
The workshop concluded with a valedictory session, after which certificates of participation were awarded to all attendees.
