Inaguration

Women's Studies Centre, Cochin university of Science and Technology was formally inaugurated on 18th August 2010 by the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Dr.Ramachandran Thekkedath.

Activities

(A) Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences/ Other Activities

  • In connection with the International Women’s Day Celebration 2020, Women’s Studies Centre organised Two day National seminar on ‘Discussing Gender Roles in India- Perspectives and Challenges held during 06th and 07th March, 2020. The event was inaugurated by Dr. K.N Madhusoodanan , Vice-Chancellor, CUSAT. Dr.Janaky Sreedharan, Professor, Dept. of English, Calicut University, Dr. Baby Chakrapani, Director, Centre for Neuroscience , Department of Biotechnology, CUSAT, Dr. Nirmala Padmanabhan Professor, St. Teresa’s College Ernakulam, Dr. Darling Selvi, Professor, Rani Anna Govt. College for Women , Tirunelveli, Dr. Remya Ramachandran, Associate Professor SMS, CUSAT, Dr. Rekha Raj, Assistant Professor, MG University, Dr. Neena Joseph, Professor (Retd.) IMG, Cochin, Dr. Sherin B.S Assistant Professor , English and Foreign Language University, Hyderabad , Dr. Sajan Nalpady , Faculty Member, Kannur University, Dr. Vani Kesari , Assistant Professor, SLS, CUSAT , Dr. Reshmi Ramachandran , Assistant Professor, Community Medicine , Govt. Medical College, Ernakulam, Dr. Asha Achy Joseph , Head, School of communication ,Sacred Heart College, Thevara has presented various papers related to the subject.   
  • Women’s Studies centre along with Physical Education Department organised Physical fitness Awareness Drive cum Demonstrations on Salsa, Boxing, Shaolin Kung Fu, Zumba, Yoga and Taekwonda on 14-02-2020 from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm. More than 100 people including staff and students from various departments participated in this program and also decided to conduct the physical fitness classes regularly from 01-03-2020 onwards.   
  • Women’s Studies centre along with Cochin University Women’s Welfare Organisation organised awareness programme on safety of women and Demo classes on Self Defence, included a talk delivered by S. Sreejith IPS, along with a training session by Civil Police Officers held on 13th December, 2019. Students and staffs of various departments of the University attended the event.   
  • Organised a panel discussion on ‘Pralayakalathe Pennanubavangal was held on 29th October, 2019. The event was inaugurated by Dr. K.N Madhusoodanan , Vice-Chancellor, CUSAT. Dr. Poornima Narayanan, Syndicate member, CUSAT, Aysha Nanappan , Saritha Pradeep, Kuriyappilly handloom weavers Society, Lakshmi Menon, Social Activist, Shahina Nafeesa, Journalist, Dr. Nirmala Padmanabhan, Researcher participated in this discussion.   
  • In connection with the MoU signed by WSC & M.E.S College Mannarkkad, dated 14.09.2018, for the development of academic cooperation and extension activities in the field of disability, rehabilitation and research, a meeting was held on 21st of August, 2019 between the Director of WSC and representatives of MES College. A general awareness session regarding the activities and future plans of WSC, for the students of Dept of Economics, M.E.S College, was also organised along-with.    
  • WSC organized a National Conference titled ''Crisis Management through a Gendered Lens'' on 7th August '19. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Shamshad Hussain, Professor, Sri Shankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kaladi. The talk delivered by her on the topic ''Crisis, Austerity and Gendered Governance: A Feminist Perspective'' won the hearts of the audience. The Conference staged research articles of scholars from various institutes. The Best paper award was won by Ms. Anju Thomas, Research Scholar, Govt. Law College, Ernakulam for the paper titled ''A Review of Institutional Intervention in Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Sex Trafficked Women and Young Girls in India''. Dr. Meera Bai, Director of WSC delivered welcome speech while Dr. Arunachalam, Head of the Applied Economics Department delivered Felicitation   
  • As part of the World Breastfeeding Week 2019, Women's Studies Centre along with Smile Makers -the students' NGO of CUSAT, associated with Kerala Birth Network and organized an awareness cum interactive session titled 'Politics of Breastfeeding' for the students of CUSAT on 6th of August '19. Priyanka Idicula from Kerala Birth Network carried out the session regarding the myths and realities about breast feeding . In chorus with the Innocenti Declaration signed in August 1990 by government policymakers, WHO, UNICEF and other organizations to protect, promote and support breastfeeding, every year the first week of August is celebrated as World Breastfeeding Week. Around hundred students including boys and girls, attended the session.   
  • In consonance with the instructions from University Grant Commission, Women’s Studies Centre of CUSAT had conducted the celebration of International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21st of June, 2019. The event attended by students and staffs of various departments of the University, included a talk delivered by Mr. Varghese Vazhoor, Professional Yoga Instructor, along with a training session. Responses from the participants are commendable and hence WSC is planning to organize regular sessions of Yoga based on Common Yoga Protocol.   
  • Women's Studies Centre sponsored the #trashtag challenge, which had gone globally viral, executed for the first time in a University of the country. The challenge was to clean the surroundings and post a before and after picture of the area and pass on the challenge to others. A group of 20 students of the university cleared a particular area of the university for four hours and collected 150+ sacks of plastic debris, on 17th of March, 2019. The wastes collected were sorted and disposed off. The Centre is planning to spread the activity to other parts of the University and challenge everyone else to do the same.
  • As part of International Women's Day Celebrations 2019, Women's Studies Centre honoured five phenomenal women of Kerala. The event entitled 'WOW- Women Of Will', was inaugurated by State Award Winning Actress and Theatre Artist Ms. Pauli Valsan, on 7th of March, a day before International Women's Day, with an aim to provide the message that women has not to be honoured on a single day only, but on every day. The list of awardees include Ms. Rekha Karthikeyan (the only licensed fisher woman of Kerala), Ms. Liza Joy (Watch mechanic with 45 years of experience), Ms. Haritha (the only lady fishing vessel mate of the country), Ms. Sheeja Prakashan ( Auto driver cum Chenda artist) and Ms. Daya Gayathri (Student, Model, Theatre artist, Transwoman). 
  • As a second phase of 'rePresent', the blood stem cell donor registration drive, Women's Studies Centre organised 'Revive #for_her', a one day skill development workshop for women on 12th of February 2019. Revive, inaugurated by actress Ms. Aparna Balamurali, was organised in association with 'InnPasco 3.0', the national level IT fest of department of Computer Applications, CUSAT. The event included three workshops on Martial Arts for Self Defense, Photography and Glass Painting. The registration fees of the workshops were used for the treatement of children suffering from leukemia.
  • Organised a Blood Stem Cell Awareness cum Donor Registration drive on 22nd January 2019, in association with TeQuest ’19, the techno-cultural fest of Dept of Instrumentation, and DATRI, the largest Blood Stem Cell Registry of the country.  The program was inaugurated by Ms. Saniya Iyappan, Cine Artist, and the registration drive was inaugurated by Mr. Jude Anthany Joseph, Director cum Actor. The program was a grant success and procured around 750 voluntary donor registrations.
  • Organised a trade expo, 'RESURRECTION', to elate women entrepreneurs of flood areas across Kerala. The event started at 10 am on 13th of December at the SMS Auditorium, School of Management Studies, CUSAT. The program inaugurated by Ms. Rima Kallingal, Cine Artist.
  • In connection with the World AIDS Day, Women's Studies Centre organised an interactive talk regarding HIV to increase awareness on the spread of HIV and blood donation on December 6th, 2018 at 10.30 am to 12.30 pm at the auditorium, Department of Hindi.
  • Donated notebooks, calculators and school bags for the school level and college level students from the flood affected areas of Ernakulam District.
  • Organised an exhibition of handmade cloth bags manufactured by the women from the flood affected areas of Ernakulam district during 14th to 16th November, 2018.
  • Organised free book giveaway event in association with GOONJ, a social enterprise located at New Delhi during 14th to 16th November, 2018.
  • Organised Zumba classes for the staff and students (Ladies only) from 01st November, 2018 onwards (Weekly two classes).
  • Organised intensive NET/JRF coaching for the students of Economics during 25-06-2018 to 07-07- 2018.
  • Organised Five Days State level Training Programme on 'Statistical Package for Social Sciences' held during 19th to 23rd March, 2018.
  • Organised a programme of honouring Padmasree Lakshmikutty Amma on 28th February, 2018 at Seminar Complex, Cochin University of Science and Technology
  • Organised a Special talk on 'Women Empowerment in India ' by Dr. A.P. Ramabai, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Government Arts College for Women, Sivaganga District- 630 562 , Tamil Nadu on 05-01-2018 at 10.30am.
  • Conducted a table talk on ' മൂലധനത്തിലെ സ്ത്രീ ശാക്തീകരണ ചിന്തകൾ' ( 'Das Capital through Women Empowerment Perspectives ') on 20-10-2017
  • Organised Two day International Seminar on 'Forest and Literature' in collaboration with Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction (ACSR) Journal on 24th &25th February, 2017 at Thumboormuzhi River Garden, Chalakudy, Thrissur, Kerala
  • Organized  Three Days Refresher Workshop on ‘Building Conducive Environment for Academic Leadership of Women Faculty ’on 27th, 28th and 29th March, 2017
  • Organised an Essay Competition on ‘Women’s Freedom is Properly Understood Yes or No’?  on 08-03-2017 in connection with the Women’s Day, 2017.
  • Organised Two days  State Level Seminar on ‘Extent and Intensity of Crime and Violence against Women and Children in Kerala’ on 27th & 28th February, 2017
  • Organised Two day National Seminar on ‘Prevalence of Modern Slavery among Marginalised Women and Children in India: Causes and Consequences’ on 15th & 16th December, 2016
  • Organised a Special talk on ‘Entrepreneurship Development: Ways and Means’ on 26th September, 2016.
  • Organised Three Days’ Scholar–in-Residence Programme under the ERUDITE scheme of Kerala State Higher Education Council on 31st March, 1st& 2nd April, 2016.
  • Organised an Essay Competition on ‘Technology and Women Empowerment’ on 08-03-2016 in connection with the Women’s Day, 2016.
  • Organised One Day Workshop on ‘Rights of Women and Children in Indian Constitution’ in connection with the observing of ‘Constitution Day’ in commemoration of 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr.B.R Ambedkar- the Architect of Indian Constitution’ on 26th November, 2015
  • Organised Two Day International Seminar on ‘Information and Communication Technologies and Women in the Globalised Era’ in commemoration of 140th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel on 30th& 31st  October,2015
  • Organised YOGA Classes for Staff and Students ( Ladies only) of CUSAT from 10th August, 2015 onwards ( Yearly Three sessions entitled as Monsoon, Winter & Summer Sessions)
  • Organised a programme entitled ‘All India Civil Services Examination: A Gateway for Women in Decision Making Professions’ to congratulate IAS  (2015) Winner, Sarau K M
  • Organised Yoga Workshop  on  22nd June,2015 in connection with the International Yoga Day-21st June, 2015.
  • Organised Crash Training for UGC-NET aspirants for the 28th  June ,2015 NET examination ( from 1st to 21st June, 2015)
  • Organised One Day Workshop for Women Entrepreneurs in Kerala  on 28th  February,2015  and the workshop was entitled as ‘New Horizons for Prospective and Potential Women Entrepreneurs in Kerala’.
  • Organised Two Day National Seminar on ‘ Gender Equality 50-50 : Myth or Reality? Indian Experience’ on 16th& 17th  January, 2015
  • Organised a Special talk on ‘Perspectives of Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi on Women Empowerment’ on 11th December, 2014.
  • Two-Day National Seminar Sponsored by the Planning Commission of India on ‘ Crime and Violence by and against Women: Observations b from Kerala’ on 20th and 21st July, 2014 .
  • Organised One Day Workshop on ‘Early Adulthood : Challenges and Issues’  on 20th March, 2014.
  • Organised Two Day Service Entry Coaching for the women students, especially for the SC/ST and students belonging to the Minority Groups.
  • Organised classes on ‘Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS)’ for the women research scholars25th  March, 2013.
  • Organised classes on ‘Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS)’ for the women research scholars12th  March, 2013.
  • Organised a Special talk on ‘ Listen to the Voices of Women’ on 11th March, 2013.
  • Organised a Special talk on 8th March,2013 on the topic ‘ Democracy and Gender Inequality’.
  • Organised classes on ‘Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS)’ for the women research scholars on 16thFebruary, 2013
  • Organised Five Day Residential Workshop on ‘ Capacity Building for Women Managers in Higher Education- Sensitivity-Awareness-Motivation (SAM)’ from 21st January,2013 to 25th January, 2013.
  • Organised One day Workshop on ‘Strengthening Women’s Leadership’ on 27th March, 2012.
  • One Day Seminar on ‘Gender Inequality in Political Representation and Participation’  was organized on 23rd March,2012.
  • One Day seminar on ‘Crime and Violence against Women  : Observations from Kerala’  was organized on 8th March, 2012.
  • One-day Workshop for Prospective Women Entrepreneurs : ‘Ignites the Entrepreneur in You…!!!!’ on 11th January,2012.
  • Organised a talk on the topic ‘ Good Food Habits for a Better Living’ on 6th January, 2012,delivered by Smt. Anu Zachariah.
  • Organised a talk  on the topic ‘ Gynaec Problems of the Day’, delivered by    Dr . Lizamma Jose, Senior Consultant  (Gynaecologist) , Ernakulam Medical Centre, Palarivattom on 9th December,2011 at 2 pm. 
  • Two-Day National Seminar Sponsored by the Planning Commission of India on ‘Technology for Women Empowerment : Issues and Challenges’ was organized  during 16-17 September,2011.
  • One day National Seminar on ‘ Role of Women in the Protection and Promotion of Environment’ was held on 8th March,2011 in connection with the ‘International Women’s Day’.
  • On 15th January, 2011 a One Day Workshop on ‘Women Entrepreneurs Development and Skill/Personality Development’ was held and experts delivered talks on  Marketing, Skill Development, Personality Development and financial issues.
  • In connection with the observation of ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women’ on 25th November, Women’s Studies Centre organized a talk on  ‘Harassment at Workplace’  on  6th December at 2.30 pm. at the Seminar Hall of the Department of Applied Economics. Prof. ( Dr.) Lakshmy Devi( Deptt. Economics, Calicut University) talked on the various issues of the harassment at workplace. 
  • As a part of observing the ‘ International Day of  Rural Women on 15th October,2010 , a talk is arranged at CUSAT. Dr. Vipin Kumar ( Senior Scientist CMFRI, Kochi) delivered a lecture on ‘Strengthening Economic Livelihood Opportunities for Poor Rural Women’ .
  • Organised  workshop on ‘ KRAV-MAGA’ –Self Defensive Mechanism.  Class was handled by Shri. RajanVargheese( KRAV-MAGA Trainer) on 7th October,2010 at 2pm .
  • Organised Special Talk on the topic ‘ Gender and Empowerment : Conceptual Clarity’, delivered by  Prof. (Dr.) Neena Joseph, Faculty, Institute for Management in Government, Kochi  on 28th September,2010 at 2pm.
  • Organised Two-Day National Seminar sponsored by the All India Council for Technical Education ( AICTE) on ‘Internationalisation of Technical Education: The Case of India’ during 25-26 March, 2010
  • OrganisedTwo-Day National Seminar Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research ( ICSSR), New Delhi on ‘ Female Employment in India : Issues and Challenges’  during October 20-21, 2009.

(B) Extension activities( Resource Person)

  1. Presented a paper titled 'Performance Appraisal of Alternate Sustenance of fisher Women in Kerala' at the International Conference on Commerce & Management in the Changing times (ICCMCT'17) organized by the Post Graduate Department of Commerce, Maharaja's College, Ernakulam on 23rd December 2017
  2. Presented a paper titled 'Economic Evalvation of the two major traditional fishing techniques in Vembanad Estvary, Kerala' at the National Conference on Commerce, Management and Social Sciences (NRCCMS'17) organized by the Post Graduate Department of Commerce, Maharaja's College, Ernakulam on 26th August 2017
  3. 'Performance Appraisal of Alternate Sustenance of fisher Women in Kerala', International Conference on Commerce & Management in the Changing times (ICCMCT'17) organized by the Post Graduate Department of Commerce, Maharaja's College, Ernakulam on 23rd December 2017
  4. 'Economic Evalvation of the two major traditional fishing techniques in Vembanad Estvary, Kerala', National Conference on Commerce, Management and Social Sciences (NRCCMS'17) organized by the Post Graduate Department of Commerce, Maharaja's College, Ernakulam on 26th August 2017
  5. Acted as a Resource person and presented a paper titled 'Women and Financial Crime on 15-07-2017 at the Centre for Criminal Laws, His Highness The Maharaja's Government Law College, Ernakulam in connection with the Three Day Interdisciplinary National Workshop on 'Female criminality: Recent Trends and Retrospection' 'Global Labour Market : Some current issues', Keynote Address on 16-12-2015 at the Department of Economics, St.Xavier's College, Vaikom, Kothavara P.O, Kottayam in connection with the Two Day National Seminar on ' Current Issues of the Labour Market in Kerala '
  6. 'Rural Development through Women Empowerment', invited talk on 15-12-2015 at the PG Department of Commerce, Government College, Tripunithura in connection with the Two Day National Seminar on 'Rural Development: Emerging Economic and Commercial Perspectives '
  7. ‘Women Empowerment through Web based Business’ Invited Talk on 19-09-2015 at Amritha School of Arts and Science, Bramhasthanam, Edapally North, Kochi-24 in connection with the Two Day National Seminar on Internet Economy held on 18th& 19th September, 2015
  8. ‘ Women and Society’, Invited Talk on 22nd August, 2015 at JanasevaSishuBhavan, Alwaye in connection with the Seven Days residential camp under the banner of ‘National Service Scheme of St. Xaviers  College, Alwaye’.
  9. ‘Women Empowerment in the Health Sector’, Invited Talk in connection with the International Women’s Day, 2015  at the Nursing School, Lakshmy Hospital organized by the Lakshmy Hospital, Ernakulam
  10. ‘Education and Women Empowerment’, Three Day National seminar on ‘Delving into Missing Women: A Multi Disciplinary Discourse on Emerging Gender Issues’, organized by the P G Department of Economics, Panampilly Memorial Govt. College, Chalakkudy during 9-11 December,2014
  11. ‘Dynamics of Environmental Degradation with Special reference to Water Pollution in Kerala’, Two Day National Seminar  organized by the P G Department of Economics, MES Asmabi College, P. Vemballur, Kodungallur in collaboration with the Women’s Studies Centre, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi-22 during 3-4 December, 2013
  12. ‘Role of Women in the Labour Market in Kerala: Issues and Challenges’ , Two Day National Seminar on ‘ Changing Nature of Labour Market and Employment Relations in Kerala: Issues and Challenges’ organized by the Department of Economics, St.Paul’s College, Kalamassery during 20-21 August,2013
  13. ‘Consultative Meeting on Safety of Women in Campuses and Programmes for Gender Sensitization’ , organized by the UGC and Kerala  State Higher Education Council  on 22nd  April, 2013
  14. ‘Gender Concerns in Higher Education’, Two Day National Seminar on ‘Impact of Globalization on Higher Education’ , organized by the P G Department of Economics, Christ College, Irinjalakkuda during 5-6 February, 2013
  15. ‘Women and Education in Kerala’ , Two Day National Seminar on ‘Scope for Higher Education in Kerala’ organized by the Department of Economics, MES Asmabi College, P. Vemballur, Kodungallur during 4-5 February, 2013
  16. ‘ Kerala’s Growth strategy: Opportunities and Challenges’ , Three Day National Seminar organized by Department of Economics, St. Paul’s College, Kalamassery during 12-14 December, 2012
  17. ‘Women in Higher Education’ , National Workshop on ‘Women’s Higher Education Institutions: Impacts, Influences and Challenges’ organized by Sacred Heart College , Chalakudy in collaboration with Women’s Studies Centre , Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi-22  during 8-9 March, 2012
  18. ‘Female Employment in Kerala: Emerging Issues’, Annual Lecture Series  organized by the Department of Economics, S H College, Chalakkudy on 29th  March, 2011
  19. ‘Women and Empowerment’ National Seminar on ‘ Participatory Planning Process and Regional Development- Kerala Experience’ organized by the Department of Economics, MES Asmabi College on 21st& 22ndOctober, 2011
  20. ‘Technology Inputs for Women Workers in the Informal Sector in India : A Micro Level Observation’, XIII National Conference ‘ Resisting Marginalizations, Challenging Hegemonies : Re-visioning Gender Politics’ organized by Indian Association for Women’s Studies during January21-24, 2011 ( Paper Presenter)
  21. ‘Rural Development in India: Progress, Problems andProgrammeEffectiveness’National Seminar organized by the Department od Economics, Kariavattom Campus, University of Kerala during 2-3 December,2010
  22. ‘ Women Empowerment and Capacity Building’  Invited Talk  on  March 29, 2010 at the Women’s Studies Centre, Department of Economics, Osmania University College for Women, Koti, Hyderabad ( Resource Person)
  23. ‘Global recession and its Impact on Female Employment’, International Conference on ‘ Global Recession and Its Impact’ organized by Fatima College ( Autonomous) Madurai on January 22,2010 ( Resource Person)
  24. ‘Women and Labour Market Changes in the Globalized Era : Kerala Experience’, National Seminar on ‘Female Employment in India : Issues and Challenges’(Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi) organized by the Department of Applied Economics Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi-22 during October 20-21, 2009 ( Paper Presenter)
  25. ‘Will Feminization of Employment Lead to Greater Gender Equality ? Observations from Kerala’,  National Seminar on ‘Female Employment in India : Issues and Challenges’ (Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi) organized by the Department of Applied Economics Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi-22 during October 20-21, 2009 ( Paper Presenter)
  26. ‘Women Workers in the Traditional Industries of Kerala – A Case Study of Coir Industry’, National Seminar on ‘Female Employment in India : Issues and Challenges’ (Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi) organized by the Department of Applied Economics Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi-22 during October 20-21, 2009 ( Paper Presenter)
  27. ‘ Job Satisfaction of Women Employees in the Universities of Kerala – A Micro Level Study’, National Seminar on ‘Female Employment in India : Issues and Challenges’ (Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi) organized by the Department of Applied Economics,Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi-22 during October 20-21, 2009 ( Paper Presenter)
  28. ‘Women Empowerment in Kerala – Still Ahead’, National Seminar on ‘Women Empowerment in India : Issues and Challenges’  ( UGC,ICSSR,WCD Sponsored) organized by the     Department of Economics, OU College for Women (Autonomous), Koti, Osmania University, Hyderabad during March 23-24, 2009 ( Paper Presenter)