WDC Report for Academic Year 2018-19

Women Development Cell (WDC) aims at promoting safer and amiable environment for the Women of the College. It’s a platform to ensure that every stake holder is given due say and presence in the smooth working of the Institution. The various activities of the committee include:

Orientation Program:

Orientation Program on “Awareness of the Duties and Requirements of the Women Development Cell” was organized on 25th July ,2018 for the Learners and Members of WDC. 

Guest Lecture on Awareness of Sexual Harassment -on 4th August, 2018 by Mr. Harshad Santosh Pore, Member - WDC for the Class IV Employees of the Institution :

A Guest Lecture on Awareness of Sexual Harassment was held on 4th August, 2018 by Mr. Harshad Santosh Pore, Member - WDC for the Class IV Employees of the Institution. The objective of the event was to create a safe environment for all the employees of the college.  The participants were trained in handling day-to-day issues and provided guidance to identify, prevent and remove sexual harassment from the work place. This workshop identified areas to make Educational Institutions more gender-sensitive. 

Guest Lecture on “Empower Yourself by Managing Your Finance” was held on 24th August, 2018 by Mr. Nehal Parekh: 

A Guest Lecture on “Empower Yourself by Managing Your Finance” was held on 24th August, 2018 by Mr. Nehal Parekh- Financial Advisor for Investment Planning. The lecture focused on importance of setting financial goals, wealth management, and planning for long-term financial goals.

Guidance Lecture on Awareness against Cyber Crime and Sexual Harassment on Internet- on 29th August, 2018, by Mr. Jerry Thomas:

A Guidance Lecture on Awareness against Cyber Crime and Sexual Harassment on Internet was conducted on 29th August, 2018, by Mr. Jerry Thomas, who is an Ethical Hacker with experience of working with Mumbai Police. He gave hands on training on how to detect hacking and secure accounts for Net Banking, Handling Personal Information etc. 

Poster Making Competition:

A Poster Making Competition was conducted on 21st September ,2018 to spread awareness about Women Empowerment. Posters were displayed in the quadrangle and many students and teachers appreciated the work and ideas of the students who put their heart and soul in their creativity. 44 Students participated 

The Winners were:

1st Prize- Ms. Nisha Jadhav , T.Y.B.Sc (Zoology)

2nd Prize- Ms. Singh Anju Ambika , T.Y.B.Sc (Maths)

3rd Prize- Ms. Manisha Prasad , M.Sc.-I. Computer Science

Awareness Lecture on “Menstrual Hygiene and Biodegradable Products” was organized on 4th & 12th September, 2018 by Mrs. Dipti Kashalkar and Mr. Saurav Kashalkar:

An Awareness Lecture on “Menstrual Hygiene and Biodegradable Products” was organized on 4th & 12th September, 2018 by Mrs. Dipti Kashalkar and Mr. Saurav Kashalkar from Upasana Charitable Society .They spoke on menstrual health , social constructs about the issue and how the society is evolving by increasing dialogue on such matters. 

Teacher’s Day Celebration

As part of Teacher’s Day Celebration, to show gratitude and appreciation towards the teachers a treasure hunt was organized in association with KGK–Entice, a leading company in real diamond jewellry. The winners went back with gold and silver coins as well as other goodies for all.

 Guest Lecture on "Rage a War against Sexual Harassment:

A Guest Lecture on "Rage a War against Sexual Harassment" in association with Department of Film, Television and New Media Production was organized on 30th January, 2019. Advocate Sanjeev Kumar Rapiolu, practicing with Bombay High Court was the speaker for the session. The session focused on various legal provisions and cases related to Sexual Harassment.

"AARAMBH"- Women's Self-Defense and Fitness workshop

"AARAMBH"- Women's Self-Defense and Fitness workshop in collaboration with MMA Ground 'N' Pound was organized on 28th February and 1st March, 2019. The instructor Mr. Gaurav Pandey and his other colleagues demonstrated different self-defense techniques which are simple, yet effective in times of crisis. 

"Astitva-One Minute Video / Film Competition" was organized on 2nd March, 2019

"Astitva-One Minute Video / Film Competition" was organized on 2nd March, 2019 in collaboration with Department of Film, Television and New Media Production with the theme "Awareness against Sexual Harassment". The event was judged by Mr. Dikshant Sharma, a renowned Short Film Maker .The Winners of the event were:

1st Prize- "Unhealed" by Muskaan Kapoor and Ritik Mehta,F.Y.B.M.M

2nd Prize- "God Can't Help" by Aashish Garg, Arshan Shaikh, Pooja Sandha, Ajay Joshi and Durgesh Pathak, S.Y.B.M.M

3rd Prize- "Sehmi?" by Prachi Mahamia, Pranav Chawda, Prithvi Zaveri, Raj Gandhi and Aditya Kamath, S.Y.B.M.M

All the films were appreciated for their different aspects by the judge who also guided the students on taking their craft further. The first prize winner team was given a trophy. The students went home with a new experience and hope.

Seminar on 8th March, 2019 – International Women's Day on the topic: “Empowering Women in the 21st Century”

Thakur College of Science & Commerce, Women Development Cell conducted a Seminar on 8th March, 2019 – International Women's Day on the topic: “Empowering Women in the 21st Century” The objective of the seminar was to deliberate on the challenges & opportunities for women in the 21st Century. Women Achievers from different fields were invited to be honored and felicitated as well as encourage and motivate our Girl students to aim higher without the fear of any kind of harassment, gender disparity or inequality.

The Chief Guest of the event was Dr. Lily Bhushan, Principal, KES College of Arts and Commerce. The Guest of Honour of the event was Ms. Nehal Chudasama Miss Universe-India 2018. There were 2 Special Invitees: a) Dr. Kannamma S. Raman, Professor (Retired), Department of Civics and Politics, Pherozeshah Mehta Bhavan and Research Centre, University of Mumbai; and b) Dr. Manjula Jagatramka, Social Entrepreneur & Founder of "Entrepreneurship and Marketing of Handmade Textiles and Crafts"

All four speakers enlightened the audience with their success stories and left the audience enchanted with their success mantras. The focus of their delivery was success in the "gendered" public space in the modern world. The audience comprised of girls and boys both in equal numbers. 

Dr. Lily Bhusan Madam gave an excellent speech igniting our spirits. She spoke of empowering ourselves with knowledge of rights, education and information so as to face the world with greater confidence and courage.

Ms. Nehal Chudasama made a grand entry and once again dazzled us with her presence and speech. She reminded us that women empower herself and motivate herself to reach the goals she aspires for.

Dr Kannama spoke of Empowering Women – Overcoming Gender Barrier in various fields. She pointed out to us about how women are less represented in politics and other fields and hence women have to be encouraged to enter various fields and contribute extensively to the social well-being & economic progress of the country. 

Dr. Manjula spoke on Entrepreneurship for Women Empowerment. She made her speech interactive and talked about following your passion and being an entrepreneur. She highlighted various areas in which women can venture and follow their heart and yet make themselves financially independent.

The students freely interacted with the speakers and asked relevant questions. The students left the Seminar Hall with a new perspective to look at the issue of gender and a determination to create a more balanced world.

This Academic year saw the students and teachers participate in the Women Development Cell’s informative, innovative and inspiring events whole heartedly and actively.