The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) was established by Act 27 of 2005 of the Kerala State Legislature
The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) was established by Act 27 of 2005 of the Kerala State Legislature
About the Centre
In the light of startling and staggering situations which the womenfolk faces within and outside family, The National University of Advanced Legal Studies proudly took the initiative to constitute a new Centre which could entail a broad area of women's issues by creating gender awareness and sensitiveness amongst. The Centre for Women and Family Studies is established at NUALS in the year 2014 as the eighth centre of study and research which pursue excellence by gathering momentum through its wide-ranging and tremendous extension activities. The institution of the Centre is also an initiative on the part of NUALS to comply with UGC recommendations based on Saksham Report 2013, prepared by the UGC Task Force to Review the Measures for Ensuring Safety of Women on Campuses and Programmes for Gender Sensitization.
Objectives of the Centre
The primary vision of the Centre is to encourage study and research in the field of law relating to women and family so that it could come out with valuable strategies and suggestions to purge various forms of discrimination which the women and girl children faces within and outside family and home. Simultaneously the centre intends to take justice to the reach of all by inculcating general awareness as to the existing legal measures ensuring protection to women and girl children. The spectrum of activities of the Centre include providing gender perspectives to students, researchers, fellow academics and policy makers and along with them equally important is the layman, for it is their view we need to change in order to bring out a woman friendly and viable atmosphere in the society. The Centre encompasses wide arena of activities such as instruction of specific courses relating to women and children, preparation of teaching materials and aids, organization and conducting of training programmes, seminars, awareness camps and conferences, providing orientation and refresher courses to key factions such as administrative officials, staff, teachers, students, self help groups, voluntary organizations, mahila organizations, local bodies and also general public. The Centre wishes to create and disseminate knowledge on various facets of women studies and assist the legislative and executive machinery in the process of formulation of laws and policies. It would also intend to undertake research and documentation work.
Motto of the Centre
1. To initiate gender perception in diverse domains in generation of knowledge, field of policy making and practice.
2. To promote a gender just attitude among the academic community, which is to be reflected in the attitudinal change and development of the students.
3. To promote and strengthen women's studies through teaching, research, dissemination of knowledge and field action.
4. To empower women and girls to face the emerging complexities and connectivity in the society.
5. To highlight the importance of legal awareness.
6. To encourage interaction with new legal aspects of social existence.
7. To initiate and promote gender sensitization through capacity building training and outreach, workshops, seminars, legal counselling and the like.
The inauguration of the Centre was done by Hon'ble Mr. Justice K.T. Thomas, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India on 31st July 2014 . Dr. Sheena Shukkur, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor (i/c) presided over the function. The event witnessed a special address from Ms. Rosakkuty K.K., Chairperson, Kerala Women's Commission. Prof. (Dr ) M. C. Valson, Honorary Director, CEL, Prof. (Dr) V. S. Sebastian, Dean, Faculty of Law, CUSAT, Prof. (Dr) V. R. Jayadevan , Honorary Director, CHLP felicitated the gathering.
The Director (i/c) of the Centre
Dr. Sheeba S. Dhar, Asst. Prof. , NUALS.
Activities
1. Training Programme on Legislative Measures Against Sexual Harassment in Educational Institutions on 31st July 2014.
In the eve of inauguration of the Centre, a One day Training Programme on "Legislative Measures against Sexual Harassment in Educational Institutions" in association with the Kerala Women's Commission was conducted as the initial activity of the Centre. The programme targeted the executive and academic heads of colleges in the District of Ernakulam. It is with the objective of gender sensitizing the target group thereby to ensure gender justice and prevent exploitation based on sex, promoting development of women and children and indirectly the development and healthy growth of the Country.
The training was attended by 50 delegates representing the higher educational institutions in Ernakulam. Technical sessions of the programme were chaired by eminent persons well versed in the field. The first session was on the 'Concept of Gender Justice-Human Rights of Women and Need for Special Protection' handled by Adv. V. P. Seemandini , Senior Advocate of High Court of Kerala and the President of Kerala Federation of Women Lawyers.
The Second session was on 'Evolution of Laws relating to Sexual Harassment in India and a Cross Sectional Analysis of the recently enacted statue, Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013'. Dr Sonia K. Das, Asst. Prof., Govt. Law College, Thrissur and a person who had her specialization in the field of gender justice, women and law handled the class in such a way that it received appreciation and acknowledgment from all the participants.
The third session witnessed Ms. Lida Jacob, IAS an eminent administrator who had once served as the Director of Social Welfare Department, who had been the Commission for Right to Education Act and had taken colossal initiatives for the welfare of women and children, had profoundly discussed the implementation of legislative measures to tackle sexual harassment at workplaces especially in educational institutions.
As a follow up of this training programme all the participants were directed to constitute an Anti Harassment Committee in their respective institutions and to submit a report on the working of the Committee. They were also instructed to fill up the checklist provided to them in the training programme to be submitted along with the report to the Kerala Women's Commission on or before 31st August 2014. The follow up will also be undertaken in association with the Kerala Women's Commission.
2. Special Lecture on 'Gender Justice and Human Rights of Women on 14th October 2014- Prof. (Dr) Kalpana Kannabiran, Director, Council for Social Development, Hyderabad & Co-founder, Asmita Resource Centre for Women and Recipient of Amartya Sen Award for Distinguished Social Scientists for the year 2012 in the discipline of law.
3. National Seminar and Open Forum on 'Dimensions of Gender Justice v. Indian Cultural and Family Values' (February 2, 2015)
The National Seminar and Open Forum on 'Dimensions of Gender Justice v. Indian Cultural and Family Values' was organized by the Centre for Women and Family Studies (CWFS), NUALS on February 2,2015.The Programme was attended by 51 participants representing colleges within and outside State of Kerala. The Seminar begins with a welcome address by Dr Sheeba S. Dhar, Director (i/c) CWFS, NUALS. The Introductory Session was resourced by Key Speakers: Prof. (Dr)P. Nagabooshanam, Former Vice Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University, Dr Sindhu Thulaseedharan, Asst. Prof., Department of Law, University of Kerala, Dr Gireesh Kumar J., Asst. Prof., Faculty of Law, University of Delhi and Prof.(Dr) M.C. Valson, NUALS. Following the introductory session, there was an academic session where paper presentations were carried out on themes highlighted for the Seminar. An Open forum headed by a Panel of members namely, Adv. Geena Kumari T., Family Court, Thiruvananthapuram, Dr Sindhu Thulaseedharan, Asst. Prof., Department of Law, University of Kerala and Ms. Rekha Venugopal, Guest Faculty, NUALS was also convened. The Session witnessed active discussion from the part of students, faculty and researchers. The Open Forum ended up at 4.00 p.m. with a vote of thanks by Ms. Joshitha Jyothi, LL.B. Student, NUALS.
4. Gender Sensitisation and Legal Awareness Programme at Chinmaya Vidyapeet, Ernakulam on 15 September 2015.
The Centre for Women and Family Studies (CWFS), NUALS organised a Gender Sensitization and Legal Awareness Programme at ChinmayaVidyapeet , Warriam Road, Ernakulam on 15th of September 2015.The Programme started with the Presidential Address of Shri. T. N. Ramakumar, Principal, ChinmayaVidyapeet. It was attended by60 students from Department of English, Commerce, Economics and the members of DIKSHA Women Empowerment Cell, ChinmayaVidyapeet. The subject was introduced to the participants with theScreening of a Short Film on 'Gender Issues'created by the Students Associates of the Centre.The themes highlighted in the Short Film was lucidly analysed and presented to the participants by Mr. Joel S. George, 3rd Sem. LL.B. Student, NUALS.It was followed by Tutorial Sessions on Facets of Gender Justice and Legislations pertaining to the protection of women and children, handled by Dr Sheeba S. Dhar, Director (i/c) CWFS. The Programme was introduced as aninitiative of the Centre for Women and Family Studies, NUALStospread legal awareness and to bring justice to the reach of all, which is envisaged as one of the objectives behind the establishment of the Centre in NUALS.
5. Short Film on Gender Issues (Created by Student Associates, CWFS).
The Associates of the Centre for Women and Family Studies, NUALS, as part of the extension and outreach activities created a Short Film on Gender Issues. The film highlighted the various modes of discrimination which a woman faces in different stages of her life on earth. Though in a subtle manner it has the potential to influence the community to raise their voice against gender related discriminations in the society and especially in the family which was earlier considered as the safest place for women: infact and unfortunately, it has become both the cradle and graveyard for womenfolk.
The Film has been made as an initiative of the Associates of the Centre along with the technical support and assistance of Mr. AbhilashSudheesh, Student, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Kariavattom Campus, University of Kerala and Mr. AbhiramGopakumar, Student , Bachelor of Mass Communication, A.J. College , Thonnaikkal, Thiruvananthapuram. The guidance and opinion given by Mrs.RekhaVenugopal, Guest Faculty, NUALS is also acknowledged in this regard.
Student Associates (Making of Short Film)
1. Akshaya Suresh( 3rd Sem. LL.B Students,
2. Alan Sunny,
3. Amal P.K.,
4. Amritha Mariam Jacob,
5. Ancy Varghese,
6. Ashwin Venu,
7. AswathyBabu,
8. AtlyYesudas,
9. DivyaMuralidharan,
10. Gautham Krishna S. Kumar ( 1st Sem. LL.B. Students),
11. George Mathai,
12. Harilal Vishnu S.,
13. Jithin Pius Jose,
14. Joel S. George,
15. Kurian K. Jose,
16. LijeshRohin E.,
17. Mamatha S. Anil Kumar,
18. Rintu Mariam Biju,
19. Rishi Joy,
20. Safna Salim,
21. Sharika R.,
22. Sheena Fathima,
23. Suryakanth Roy,
24. Tony Johnson,
25. Trilok S,
26. Dona George.
6. Research Project of National Commission for Women on ' Protection Officers under Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act,2005.
The Centre is Currently working on a Research Project of National Commission for Women on ' Protection Officers under Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act,2005 - How far they are successful in providing solace to the Victims'. The Study is for a period of six month with an approved grant of Rs 2,05800/. Dr Sheeba S. Dhar is the Project Director of the study. Mr. D. Raveendra Kumar , Director(i/c) Centre for Economics and Law and Assistant Professor in Economics , NUALS is the Statistical Expert and Ms. Priya R., Research Associate, NUALS is the Project Co-ordinator of the Study.
7. One Day Workshop on 'Concept of Family- Changing Dimensions and Trends' on January 30, 2016.
The Centre for Women and Family Studies, NUALS organised a One Day Workshop on 'Concept of Family- Changing Dimensions and Trends' on January 30, 2016 .The Programme was primarily meant for the first year LL.B. students for it is mandatory under the UGC SAKSHAM Report on Measures for Ensuring the Safety of Women and Programmes for Gender Sensitization on Campuses. The ChiefGuest, Resource persons and all the participants were welcomed by Ms. Priya R., Research Associate, CWFS, NUALS. The Inauguration of the Workshop was done by Hon'ble Mrs. Justice AnuSivaraman, Judge , High Court of Kerala by lighting the lamp. Her goodself commented on shrinking family, its consequence and impact on exercise of individual rights in the family and society.The programme witnessed delivery of Presidential address by Dr. Mini S., Associate Professor, NUALS.Prof. Pauline Rose Matthai, Vice President, People's Council for Social Justice and Principal (Retd.) Govt. Law College, Ernakulam who felicitated the occasion reminds the gathering of the once existed Gandharvamarriage and its replica in the modern society and further mentions about the degrading moral values among the people especially youngsters. The Academic Sessions were resourced by DrBeena Job, Associate Professor, Department of English, St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam, who has pointed out the need for marriage in the present day society , highlighting the factors which helped to keep the institution of marriage and family intact in the past. She had infact urged the students to go by the words ofinner conscience and cautioned students about the society they are living and the realities they need to face in the days to come. She explained the concept of gender justice not in derogation to the concept of family but inside its framework; Dr SrilathaJuvva, Associate Professor, Centre for Disability Studies and Action School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai dealt with Marital Relationships and Young Adults. Based on the knowledge gathered from clinical experiences, she explained the effects of marital discord on children and young adults. With the help of diagrams and chart she scored in her presentation and pointed out the ways and means to tackle the problem by giving emphasis to the responsibilities of spouses, children and young adults; Ms. RekhaVenugopal , Sociologist and Guest Faculty , NUALS had focussed on Family Relations in the Present Day Society . In her speech she has mentioned about the modern trend in marriages as going for extra- marital relationships with the consent of spouses like a silent relationship. Live- in- relationships are booming as if it is protected through law; Dr Parvathy Poornima, Independent Researcher, has given presentation based on her well done research work. She concentrated on Forced Marriages in India- Legal Recourse and Other Remedies. Her presentation projected the existence of varied types of forced marriages though its existence in suchmanner is not been recognised. From her experience in working with non-governmental organisations dealing with gender issues, shecompared the reality withwhat is there in mere black and white letters. The programme was attended by around 140 students within the state of Kerala. The Workshop came to an end at 4.00 p.m. withthe delivery of salutation and acknowledgment by Dr Sheeba S. Dhar, Director (i/c) CWFS, NUALS.
8. Special Discourse on 'Portrait of Women in Modern World- Need for Redefining the
Province of Freedom' on March 8, 2016 (International Women's Day).
The Centre for Women and Family Studies, organized a Special Discourse on 'Portrait of Women in Modern World- Need for Redefining the Province of Freedom' on March 8, 2016 (International Women's Day) . The Chief Guests, Resource Persons and the Participants were welcomed by Dr. Sheeba S Dhar, Director (i/c) of the Centre. It is followed by a Presidential address by Dr. M. C. Valson, Professor, NUALS. He applauded the contributions made by Women Judges from the State of Kerala to the higher Judiciary simultaneously sharing his concern about increasing problems faced by women and the need for safeguarding them.
The Programme was inaugurated by Honourable Mrs. Justice K. K. Usha, Former Chief Justice, High Court of Kerala by lighting the lamp. In her Inaugural address, she shared her experiences and highlighted various incidents suggesting ways to end discrimination against women. Her goodself concluded the speech with a slogan "react individually and collectively to end discrimination against women". The Inaugural ceremony also witnessed a Special Address by the Veteran Journalist, Ms. Leela Menon. She narrated various news reports on the abuse of women amd suggested the need for creating better awareness among women of their rights.
The Centre for Women and Family Studies honoured Hon'ble Mrs. Justice K. K. Usha and Ms. Leela Menon with a 'Ponnada' as a tribute and accolade to the veterans in the field. On the occasion, Honourable Mrs. Justice K. K. Usha released the Book and Booklet titled 'Selected Instruments Relating to Women and Children: An Analysis' prepared by Dr. Sheeba S Dhar, Asst. Prof., NUALS. The First Edition of Newsletter of the Centre for Women and Family Studies is also released by the Justice and handed it over to Smt. Leela Menon.
The Inaugural ceremony was concluded with Vote of thanks by Ms. Priya R, Research Associate, CWFS, NUALS. A Short Video depicting the problems of women along with possible solutions was played soon after the Inaugural ceremony.
The Special Discourse on 'Province of Freedom' relating to the themes: Freedom of Religion and Religious Worship, Right to Dignified Life and Personhood, Right to Exercise Choice organized by the Centre on the same day was moderated by Dr. V.R Jayadevan, Professor, NUALS. The presence of eminent persons like Adv. A. Jayashankar, State President, Indian Association of Lawyers, Ms. Sreekumari Ramachandran, Novelist and Orator, Dr. P. S. Seema, Assistant Professor, SLS, CUSAT and Mr. Rahul Easwar , Author & Social Activist had enriched the debate with novel ideas on modern women and ther rights. Ms. Sreekumari Ramachandran spoke about the rich Indian culture and values. She followed a moderate path focusing on the rights and responsibilities of Women in the Modern World. Adv. A. Jayashanker shared his experiences in Court and discussed on various labour legislations dealing with the protection of women. Dr. P. S. Seema, Assistant Professor, School of Legal Studies, CUSAT dealt with Right of women to Religious Worship. She approached the topic in a scientific way and enumerated the reasons behind imposing restrictions on the rights of women to religious worships. Mr. Rahul Easwar examined the ideological, spiritual and legal aspects of right of women to religious worship in his speech. He expresses the need for redefining the concept of feminism, gender justice and equality among men and women and also mentioned about the rituals, customs and usages practiced in Sabarimala Temple. The Programme was attended by around 120 students and it came to an end by 6:00 pm. Hon'ble Mrs. Justice has appreciated the organizers for taking the effort on this memorable and remarkable day.
9. Release of the First Edition of CWFS's Annual Newsletter; Release of Book and Booklet on 'Selected Instruments Relating to Women and Children - An Analysis' on March 8,2016 - By Hon'ble Justice K.K. Usha and Smt. Leela Menon.
10. Workshop on ' Rights of Women and Children in Educational Institutions' organised by Centre for Women and Family Studies on July 16, 2016 at Vidyodaya School.
The Centre for Women and Family Studies, organized a workshop on 'Rights of Women and Children in Educational Institutions' on July 16, 2016 at Vidyodaya School,Thevakkal .Presidential address was delivered by Dr. P.Sreekumar,Executive Trustee,Vidyodaya School, Thevakkal. He authentically stated that the Educational Institutions play a significant role in safeguarding the rights of individuals and in sensitizing the society. He also enumerated education as the most powerful tool for empowerment.Prof.(Dr.) Rose Varghese, Vice Chancellor, NUALS inaugurated the Programme by lighting the lamp and delivered theinaugural address.Her magnificent thoughts regarding the rights of the students as well as the responsibilities of a good teacher were shared in the Address.FourTechnical Sessions were organized on the 'Rights of Women and Children in Educational Institutions'.First Session was handled by Smt. Lida Jacob, IAS,an eminent administrator who had tremendously deliberated about the 'Duties of Educational Institutions and Code of Professional Ethics of School Teachers'.The Second Session was handledby Dr. Sonia K. Das, Asst. Prof., Government Law College, Thrissur, on the topic 'Zero Tolerance to Sexual Abuses in Campuses- Special Reference to Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act,2013. After the Second Session a short film titled 'Conscience' directed by students of NUALS was screened.The short film portrayed the need for awareness and consciousness regarding the present clutches of immoral trafficking and deceiving traps leading to it.The Third Session was expounded by Dr. Mary Venus Joseph, Dean & Former Vice Principal, Rajagiri School of Social Sciences and Dr. Mini S., Associate Professor, NUALS on 'Awareness and Practices of Child Rights- Special Reference to Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2002'. Dr. Mary Venus Joseph stunningly handled the session by showing the child awareness video 'Komal'. Dr. Mini S. gave a short description of the features of the POCSO Act and the mode of implementation of the Act.The Fourth Session was handled by Dr. P.S. Seema, Director, School of Legal Studies,CUSAT on 'Awareness and Implementation of Supreme Court Guidelines in Schools'. She has provided a comprehensive idea about the Supreme Court guidelines to be implemented in the Schools.The Centre for Women and Family Studies honored all the renowned resource persons with Mementoas a token of admiration. The Centre had also handed over the Book and Booklet, published by Dr. Sheeba S.Dhar, Director(i/c),CWFS, to the Librarian, Vidyodaya School.
11.Special Lecture on ' Legal Issues in Human Tissue Donation and Research : Limits of National Regulatory Framework' by Dr. Arathi P.M., Assistant Professor, Council for Social Development, New Delhi.
12.Submitted a Project Proposal to University Grant Commission under Minor Research Project for Teachers, XII Plan Guidelines (2012-2017) on 'Sexual Harassment against Women at Workplace: How far Internal Complaints Committee and Local Complaints Committee are successful in providing relief to the Victims', August 2016.
13.Conference on 'Rights of Women and Children in Educational Institutions' on September 3, 2016 at Vidyodaya.
The Centre has organised a Conference on Rights of Women and Children in Educational Institutions at Vidyodaya for the Principals , Heads and Administrators of the Sahodaya Group of Schools. The Programme was the second in the series of CWFS, NUALS and Vidyodaya Conglomeration. The Session was opened by Dr P. Sreekumar, Executive Trustee, Vidyodaya School, Thevakkal . The Technical Sessions were handled by Dr Anil R. Nair, Associate Professor & Director, Centre for Parliamentary Studies, NUALS and Dr Sonia K. Das, Assistant Professor, Government Law College, Thrissur . The Session was followed by a Panel Discussion,where Fr. Joye James, Rector and Manager, Loyola College of Social Sciences, Dr Sheeba S. Dhar , Assistant Professor & Director (i/c), CWFS, NUALS , Dr Sonia K. Das and Dr Anil R. Nair has taken up the theme for discussion and gave solutions to the various queries raised before the Panel. The Programme also witnessed the Launching of M- BRACE, Module on Boat Race and Child's Education designed by the Teachers of Vidyodaya and was released by Adv. T. P. M. Ibrahim Khan, State President, Central Board of Secondary Education & Former Additional Solicitor General in Kerala High Court .
Address for Communication
Dr. Sheeba S. Dhar,
Director (i/c), CWFS, NUALS
The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS)
H.M.T. Colony P.O
Kalamassery,683 503
Kerala State, India.
Mob: 9496100221
E-mail: cwfs@nuals.ac.in
Priya .R,
Research Associate,
CWFS, NUALS
Akhila Rani,
Research Associate,
CWFS, NUALS