ALU - WOMEN’S STUDIES BULLETIN

Volume - 1 Issue-1, August- 2016

Editor - in – Chief: Prof.K.MANIMEKALAI Editors Mrs.P.Sindhuja Mrs.S.Geetha Mr.M.Paranthaman Ms.S.Karthika Mr.B.Pon Vignesh

Editor’s Desk At the outset, it is a great delight to introduce the first issue of ALU Women’s Studies Bulletin to the Alagappa University family. The Bulletin helps to ensure that it continues to serve as a valuable resource in the field of Women’s Studies. We are particularly interested in developing and publishing articles on emerging trends on socio-economic and political issues on women. A thought that has been enduring in mind when it becomes real, is truly an interesting and exciting experience. This was one such cherished work that had its roots in the persuasion. The progress of the society is mainly depends on many people who are working behind the scenes, overtime round the clock planning things to the smallest. This bulletin will be a medium to provide proper acknowledgement and respect all of these efforts and its results. This bulletin is intended to be published every month of the academic year. With a sense of pride and satisfaction, I would like to say that with the active support of the University authority this bulletin has come alive. With all the efforts and contributions put in by the students and staff, I truly hope that the pages that follow will make some interesting reading...

Women’s Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that explores politics, society, media and history from women’s and / or feminist perspectives and it examines socially and culturally defined gender roles. It closely related to broad field of Gender Studies. The first accredited Women’s Studies course was held in 1969 at Cornell University. The first Women’s Studies programme in the United States was established in 1970 at San Diego State

College (now San Diego State University). In India, the need for the incorporation of Women’s Studies in the University curriculum was felt by academics in the early 1980’s. Following the recommendations of the First National Conference of Women’s Studies, held at SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai in 1981 and the UNESCO workshop in 1982, the UGC suggested in 1983, to start the programmes of Women’s Studies and their incorporation in the curricula of Social Sciences.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has promoted, strengthened and given direction to the Women's Studies programme in the country since VII Plan period. Women’s Studies Centres have been established in the University System in the VIII, IX and X Plan periods. They have contributed significantly to the expansion of Women's Studies in the area of teaching, research and field action. As an area of academic study, Women’s Studies provide new frame works that are sensitive not only to issues of gender, but also race, class and ethnicity. It also analyses the powerful and problematic impact of sexual inequalities. It encourages students to think critically and re-examining history cross-culturally by using a feminist perspective. Women’s Studies revise the way, we see ourselves and our world.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

 One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman - Simone de Beauvoir (Liberal Feminist)  There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women - Kofi Annan (7th UN Secretary- General)

LATEST ISSUES IN THE DISCIPLINE

Alagappa University offers five years M.A. Integrated Home Science for the first time under State Government umbrella in the Sivagangai district from the academic year (2016- 17). The subject matter of this course transcends boundaries of disciplines and eventually assumes inter-disciplinary nature. It has been designed to enable the learners to improve the quality of their personal and professional life and contribute towards the betterment of the family and community.

RATIONALE

Home science is an area of knowledge which is essential for learners, both male and female, to understand and handle more efficiently their personal life, resources and interpersonal relationship in life. This body of knowledge also develops in them skills that enable them to deal with day to day problems and ultimately establish them as more competent and productive members of the family and community at large.

A large number of vocations emerge out of the field of Home Science. This is of particular importance to the learners who pass out of secondary school as it helps them to identify their future vocation and area of study.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Programme

 To foster in learners understanding of human developmental process and use it to strengthen interpersonal relationships  To develop in them the ability to take care of the nutritional needs of the family members and ensure good food handling practices  To impart basic knowledge related to textiles and develop skills for their optimum utilization  To develop lifelong ability to absorb knowledge and apply it effectively to meet the challenges to ever changing life  To put into practice decision making and problem solving skills to make informed choices  To develop sensitivity towards the needs of family and society and cater to them  To orient the students with the educational and vocational scope of Home Science and the need to practice/develop entrepreneurship  To develop sensitivity towards some of the major psychological and health problems of the community and the programs of the government to overcome these.

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK

BREASTFEEDING: A KEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

World Breastfeeding Week (WBM) is an annual celebration which is being held at every year from 1 to 7 August in more than 120 countries. World Breastfeeding week was first celebrated in 1992 by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA).

Breastfeeding is not only the cornerstone of a Child’s Healthy Development; it is also the foundation of a country’s development. In fact, supporting breastfeeding is one of the smartest investments, countries that make in the wellbeing of their citizens and thus, in their own long term strength. In low, middle and high income countries alike, the benefits for individuals, families and societies include ending preventable child deaths, improving maternal and child health, boosting educational attainment, and increasing productivity.

Breastfeeding is a critical key in achieving SDG 2 and SDG3, which include ending hunger, improving nutrition and promoting health and wellbeing. Breastfeeding also can help drive the achievement of SDG4, which includes inclusive education and lifelong learning. Breastfeeding is an essential part of a healthy early childhood supporting both physical and cognitive development. It is associated with higher cognitive ability, increased I.Q. scores and better learning and literacy outcomes, all of which can translate into increased productivity and earnings later in life.

These improved outcomes in health and learning in turn support the achievement of other goals including SDG 1, 8 and 10, which concern ending poverty, promoting economic growth and reducing inequalities. Breastfeeding is a cost-effective way to increase human capital and stimulate economic growth. The health benefits associated with optimal breastfeeding could save billions of dollars in healthcare costs each year by greatly reducing hospital admissions for infectious diseases.

And breastfeeding can also play a role in achieving gender equality, the central focus of SDG5. For example, exclusive breastfeeding can promote birth spacing enabling women to delay subsequent pregnancy and empowering them to exercise greater reproductive autonomy, especially in countries and communities where women have limited access to quality contraceptive information and care. In turn, this can increase the ability of women and girls to return to school, and to work outside the home and better support their families.

Breastfeeding also improves long-term health, decreasing the risk of non- communicable diseases, including childhood asthma and obesity. It can reduce the chance of diabetes and heart disease later in life. And longer duration of breastfeeding protects maternal health, helping reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Hence, we all have a part to play in protecting, promoting and supporting the breast feeding in achieving these goals by 2030.

GLOSSARY OF WOMEN’S STUDIES GENDER

Gender refers to the socially given attributes, roles, activities, responsibilities and needs connected to being men (masculine) and women (feminine) in the society. A socially constructed system of classification that ascribes qualities of masculinity and femininity to people.

GENDER STUDIES

Gender studies is a field of interdisciplinary study and academic field devoted to gender identity and gendered representation as central categories of analysis.

GENDER SENSITIVITY/AWARENESS

Gender Sensitivity/Awareness encompasses the ability to perceive, acknowledge and highlight existing gender differences, issues and inequalities and to incorporate a gender perspective into strategies and actions.

WOMEN’S STUDIES

Women’s studies is an interdisciplinary academic field, explores society from women’s and /or feminist perspectives. It is a body of learning with a directed concern for women’s equality and empowerment.

Constitutional Privileges for Women and Girls  Equality before law for women (Article 14)  The State not to discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them (Article 15 (i))  The State to make any special provision in favour of women and children (Article 15 (3))  Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State (Article 16)  The State to direct its policy towards securing for men and women equally the right to an adequate means of livelihood (Article 39(a)); and equal pay for equal work for both men and women (Article 39(d))  To promote justice, on a basis of equal opportunity and to provide free legal aid by suitable legislation or scheme or in any other way to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities (Article 39 A)  The State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief (Article 42)  The State to promote with special care for the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation (Article 46)  The State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people (Article 47)

 To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women (Article 51(A) (e))  Not less than one-third (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes) of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Panchayat to be reserved for women and such seats to be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in a Panchayat (Article 243 D(3))  Not less than one- third of the total number of offices of Chairpersons in the Panchayats at each level to be reserved for women (Article 243 D (4))  Not less than one-third (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes) of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Municipality to be reserved for women and such seats to be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in a Municipality (Article 243 T (3))  Reservation of offices of Chairpersons in Municipalities for the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and women in such manner as the legislature of a State may by law provide (Article 243 T (4))

STATUS OF WOMEN AT A GLANCE

WOMEN IN GOVERNANCE

Meira Kumar (March 31, 1945) was born in Arrah, Bihar to the former Deputy Prime Minister and prominent Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram and a freedom fighter, Indrani Devi. Meira Kumar, the first woman Speaker of Lok Sabha and served from 2009 to 2014. She is a lawyer and a former diplomat. Prior to being a member of the 15th Lok Sabha, she has been elected earlier to the 8th, 11th, 12th and 14th Lok Sabha. She served as a Cabinet Minister in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Manmohan Singh's Congress led Government (2004–2009). She completed her M.A and L.L.B, at Indraprastha College, Delhi University. In 1970, she joined the Indian Foreign Service and spent her life in many countries. She also received a honorary doctorate from Banasthali Vidyapith in 2010.

Violet Hari Alva (24 April 1908 -20 November 1969) was an Indian lawyer, politician and Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. She was the first women lawyer to appear before a High Court in India and the first to preside over the Rajya Sabha. Alva was born Violet Hari on 24 April 1908 in Ahmedabad. She graduated from St. Xavier's College, Bombay and Government Law College. In 1937, Violet Hari married freedom fighter and later parliamentarian Joachim Alva. The couple set up legal practice together. Alvas had two sons, Niranjan and Chittaranjan, and a daughter, Maya. Niranjan Alva married Margaret Alva, parliamentarian and former Governor of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Government of India issued a stamp commemorating Violet and Joachim Alva in November 2008.

WOMEN IN SPORTS Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (Andra Pradesh; born 5 July 1995) became the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in the Rio Olympics 2016. She is in the Top 20 in 2012, and is currently ranked no. 10 in the world. She is the second-highest-ranked women’s singles player from India after Olympic bronze medalist (London 2012) Saina Nehwal. Sindhu had previously won the bronze medal at the 2014 Common wealth Games in Glasgow, and the silver medal at 2016 South Asian Games in Guwahati. In March 2015, P.V. Sindhu became the youngest recipient of the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour.

Sakshi Malik (Haryana; born 3 September 1992) is an Indian freestyle wrestler. At the 2016 Summer Olympics, She won the bronze medal in the 58 kg category, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics. Malik had previously won the silver medal at 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and the bronze medal at 2015 Asian Wrestling Championships in Doha. Sakshi Malik entered the top-five in the latest United World Wrestling rankings, rising to a career-best 4th position in women's 58kg category.

Dipa Karmakar (Tripura, born 9 August 1993) is an artistic gymnast represented India at the 2016 Summer Olympics. She is the first Indian female gymnast ever to compete in the Olympics, and the first Indian gymnast to do so in 52 years. She attained 4th position in Women’s Vault Gymnastics event of Rio Olympics 2016 with an overall score of 15.066. She first gained attention when she won a bronze medal at 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and she has become the first Indian female gymnast to do so in the history of the Games. Karmakar is one of only five women who have successfully landed the Produnova, the most difficult vault currently performed in women's gymnastics. She also won a bronze medal at the Asian Gymnastics Championships and finished fifth at 2015

World Artistic Gymnastics Championships

CELEBRATION OF WOMAN POWER

Olympic satrs P.V. Sindhu, Sakshi Malik and Dipa Karmakar wer conferred India’s highest sporting hounour the Rajive Gandhi Khel Ratna on at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.

PROGRAMME CARRIED OUT DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST

GENDER SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS

The Centre for Women’s Studies, Alagappa University, organized a “Gender Sensitization Programme for School Teachers” in collaboration with Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abiyan (RMSA), Government of Tamil Nadu, on 24th August, 2016 at Alagappa University, Karaikudi. Around 100 participants -- school teachers from all districts of Tamil Nadu, State officials of Tamil Nadu, Professors from Alagappa University, Research Scholars and students – attended the workshop. Prof.K.Manimekalai, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies, delivered the thematic introduction. Dr. G. Arivoli, Project Director, RMSA, delivered inaugural address. Thiru.V.Kumar, Joint Director, RMSA, and Mr.S.Senthilvel Murugan, Chief Educational Officer, Sivgangai, offered felicitations. The inauguration of the programme was followed by three technical sessions namely 1) Gender Sensitization, 2) Gender Ideology and 3) Gender Concerns in Education. Prof.K.Manimekalai, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies, Prof.K.R.Murugan, Head i/c, Department of Social Work and Dr.V.Renganathan, ADPC, RMSA, Salem served as resource persons. In the programme, the Training Manual on Gender Sensitization was released and that was followed by a CD release. Earlier, Tmt.P.Veeramani, welcomed the gathering. Mr.L.Pushparaj, EDC, RMSA, Sivagangai, proposed a vote of thanks.