Women Development & Empowerment Cell
Activity Report (Academic Year 2025–2026)
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell of the college conducted a series of impactful activities during the academic year 2025–2026 with the objective of promoting gender equality, health awareness, safety, and overall well-being of students and staff.
Free Menstrual Kit Distribution
As part of its commitment to promoting health, hygiene, and women’s well-being, the college organized a Free Menstrual Kit Distribution drive on 5th July 2025 in association with P&G. Conducted as a month-long health and hygiene care initiative during June–July, the campaign benefited nearly 700 female students, teachers, and staff members. The activity aimed to create awareness regarding menstrual hygiene, break social stigma surrounding menstruation, and ensure accessibility to essential sanitary products for all women on campus. Menstrual kits were distributed to encourage healthy hygiene practices and support the dignity, comfort, and overall well-being of female learners and staff. The initiative contributed towards building a more informed, inclusive, healthy, and supportive educational environment.
A Skin & Hair Care Workshop was organized on 17th July 2025 in the Seminar Hall for 189 participants. The session was conducted by Ms. Kajal Rana from Hair Studio, Borivali West under the guidance of faculty in charge Ms. Dimple Thakkar and Ms. Anuja Tiwari. The workshop focused on creating awareness about personal grooming, skincare, hair care, and hygiene. The expert shared practical tips on managing common skin and hair concerns using simple and natural remedies and also demonstrated a quick makeup routine suitable for students. The interactive session was informative, engaging, and well appreciated by all participants.
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell organized a visit to the One Stop Centre (OSC), KEM Hospital on 23rd July 2025 for 20 students under the guidance of Ms. Reekita Fernandes. The visit aimed to provide practical exposure to the services and functioning of the OSC in supporting women affected by violence. Students learned about emergency response, counselling, legal aid, police assistance, and rehabilitation services offered by the centre. The session also created awareness about women’s legal rights and the importance of empathetic and trauma-informed care. The visit proved to be an insightful experiential learning opportunity that encouraged gender sensitization, social awareness, and civic responsibility among students.
A Poster Making Competition was organized on 25th July 2025 under the guidance of Ms. Reekita Fernandes with the objective of promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. A total of 27 students participated enthusiastically and presented creative posters on themes related to women’s rights, education, leadership, health, and gender justice. The competition provided a platform for students to express social awareness and responsibility through art and creativity. The posters were judged by Mr. Akash Deshmukh and Ms. Preeti Yadav, who appreciated the participants’ efforts and innovative ideas. The winners of the competition were Sanjana Singh (SYBAF B – 14834), Namrata Mishra (SYBAF A – 14703), and Ashwini Anavadiya (SYBAF B – 14843).
WDEC in collaboration with the Department of Sports Management, organized a session on “Gender Awareness – Understanding the Gender Spectrum: Beyond Binary” on 25th July 2025 in the Seminar Hall (1st Floor) for 143 participants under the guidance of Dr. Neeta Jain. The session aimed to promote gender equality, inclusivity, and awareness about gender diversity beyond traditional binary concepts. Students actively participated through presentations and discussions on topics such as gender bias, pay inequality, intersectionality, changing family roles, media influence, and breaking stereotypes in different fields. The interactive session encouraged learners to share personal reflections, stories, and creative expressions, helping them develop empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of gender empowerment and equality.
A Privilege Walk activity was organized on 26th July 2025 in Open Quadrangle-2 for 87 participants under the guidance of Ms. Jidnyasa Mhatre and Mrs. Lata Singh. The activity aimed to create awareness about social inequalities and personal privileges through a series of reflective “Never Have I Ever” statements related to gender, caste, class, education, mental health, safety, and identity. As participants moved forward based on their experiences, the activity visually demonstrated the differences in opportunities and challenges faced by individuals. The session proved to be highly impactful and thought-provoking, encouraging meaningful discussions on empathy, inclusion, social justice, and mutual respect. Students reflected on the importance of recognizing both their own privileges and the struggles faced by others, making the activity a powerful learning experience on equality and sensitivity.
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell, in association with the Department of Law and the Inner Wheel Club of Bombay, Kandivali, organized a Session on Cervical Cancer Awareness on 30th July 2025 in the Seminar Hall for 243 participants. The session was conducted by Dr. Vidya Patil, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist and Director of Arya Women’s Health. Dr. Patil shared valuable information on cervical cancer, including its risk factors, early detection, prevention methods, screening procedures, and the importance of the HPV vaccine. She also highlighted the need for regular health check-ups and creating awareness about women’s health issues. The session was highly informative and interactive, with students actively participating through questions and discussions, making the program impactful and educational.
Self Care Campus Fest 2025
A major highlight of the year was the Self Care Campus Fest 2025, organized on 18th August 2025 at the Seminar Hall and Quadrangle, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff. The fest served as a comprehensive wellness platform integrating fitness, mental health awareness, preventive healthcare, nutrition, creativity, and engagement activities. Through expert-led sessions and interactive experiences, the event aimed to create awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy mind-body balance while equipping participants with practical strategies for stress management and overall well-being.
Zumba – Energiser Session
The Self Care Campus Fest 2025 began with an energetic Zumba – Energiser Session on 18th August 2025 at Open Quadrangle-2 with 110 participants. The session was conducted by Deepa Katrodia and her team from Depss_K Instagram and aimed to promote fitness, stress relief, and positivity through fun dance and exercise routines. Students enthusiastically participated in the lively session, which created an atmosphere of excitement, motivation, and team spirit. The activity helped participants feel refreshed, confident, and energised, making it a memorable and vibrant start to the Self Care Campus Fest 2025.
As part of the Self Care Campus Fest 2025, a session on “Building Healthy Relationships & Boundaries” was organized on 18th August 2025 in the Seminar Hall for 329 participants. The session was conducted by Ms. Riddhi Doshi Patel, Child Psychologist, Parenting Counsellor, Author, TEDx Speaker, and Founder of LAJA and EmOcean. The interactive talk focused on the importance of trust, communication, self-respect, and emotional well-being in building healthy relationships. The speaker highlighted how relationships shape identity and emphasized that setting healthy boundaries is an act of self-care and empowerment. Through practical examples and engaging discussions, students learned the importance of balancing relationships with self-respect and individuality. The session was highly interactive and impactful, encouraging students to reflect on emotional wellness, resilience, and holistic self-care.
Panel Discussion on Self Care as a Tool to Manage Anxiety
A Panel Discussion on Self Care as a Tool to Manage Anxiety was organized on 18th August 2025 in the Seminar Hall in association with Her Health India and Rotary Club of Mumbai Kandivali, with 231 participants attending the session. The discussion aimed to provide students with a holistic understanding of how physical health, nutrition, oral hygiene, and mental well-being are interconnected in managing stress and anxiety. The expert panel included Dr. Annie Jolly, who highlighted the importance of personal hygiene and physical well-being; Dr. Evelet Sequeira, who shared practical strategies to cope with anxiety, academic pressure, and stress; Dt. Prerna Gedia, who explained the strong connection between nutrition and mental health while recommending healthy dietary practices; and Dr. Maya Kapoor, who emphasized the importance of oral hygiene as an essential aspect of overall self-care and confidence. The multidisciplinary session encouraged students to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, practice self-care routines, and seek support when needed, ultimately reinforcing the idea that emotional resilience and wellness are deeply connected to physical, nutritional, and mental health practices.
As part of the Self Care Campus Fest 2025, a Digital Addiction Awareness Session was organized on 18th August 2025 in the Seminar Hall for 305 participants in association with Her Health India and the Rotary Club of Mumbai Kandivali. The session was conducted by Dr. Evelet Sequeira, Anxiety Coach and Mental Health Trainer, and Mr. Prashant Mishra, President of Rotary Club of Mumbai Kandivali. The speakers created awareness about the effects of excessive digital usage on mental health, relationships, and productivity, while also sharing practical strategies such as screen-time management, digital detox, and mindful technology use. The session was informative, interactive, and encouraged students to adopt healthier digital habits and a balanced lifestyle.
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell organized a Free Health Check-Up Camp on 18th August 2025 in the Quadrangle in association with Raptakos, Kuber Optics, and Dr. Maya Clinic. The camp included Free Anaemia Check-Ups, Eye Tests, and Dental Check-Ups for over 250 participants, including students, teaching, and non-teaching staff. The initiative aimed to promote health awareness, preventive healthcare, and early detection of common health concerns. Participants received haemoglobin screening, vision testing, oral examinations, and expert guidance on nutrition, eye care, and dental hygiene. The camp proved highly beneficial in identifying potential health issues and encouraging regular medical check-ups and healthier lifestyle practices among the college community.
As part of the Retail Therapy and Engagement activity organized in association with Her Health India and Rotary Club of Mumbai Kandivali, various interactive and creative zones were set up in the Quadrangle to promote wellness, relaxation, and student engagement. Activities included Mandala Art Therapy by KCraft, encouraging mindfulness through art, a Board Games Zone by Giftingopedia promoting teamwork and fun interaction, and a Gratitude Tree where students shared positive and self-reflective messages. The Retail Therapy section featured 14+ women entrepreneurs showcasing wellness and lifestyle products, while the Selfie Corner added excitement and memorable moments to the event. The engaging activities created a lively and holistic self-care experience for over 200 participants, encouraging creativity, positivity, and stress relief.
Workshop on Self-Defence
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell, in association with Mission Sahasi, organized a Workshop on Self-Defence on 19th November 2025 at the Seminar Hall to empower young women with essential personal safety skills. The session focused on building confidence, awareness, and practical self-defence techniques to help participants respond effectively in unsafe situations. Students were introduced to basic self-defence tactics, situational awareness, and strategies for personal protection through interactive demonstrations and guidance by the trainers. The workshop was highly informative and confidence-building, encouraging self-reliance and promoting a stronger sense of safety and empowerment among the participants.
Awareness about One Stop Centre
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell conducted a class-to-class awareness initiative on 21st November 2025 to educate students about the services offered by the One Stop Centre, a government support system for women facing violence and harassment. The awareness drive covered 20 classrooms and used an engaging two-minute play format to effectively communicate the message. The play portrayed a woman facing harassment who was guided by a friend to seek help from the One Stop Centre, highlighting services such as emotional counselling, legal and police support, medical assistance, emergency response, shelter, and rehabilitation guidance. The activity emphasized the importance of seeking help without fear or hesitation and successfully created awareness among students in an interactive and impactful manner. The initiative encouraged gender sensitivity, support, and awareness across the campus community while ensuring that students clearly understood the accessibility and importance of the services provided by the One Stop Centre.
Session on CPR & Emergency Response
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell, in association with Her Health India and Revive Heart Foundation, organized a Session on CPR & Emergency Response on 18th September 2025 at the Seminar Hall with 281 participants. The session was conducted by Ms. Sumaiya Raghavan, Operations Head, iCARE, Revive Heart Foundation, who provided practical training on CPR and emergency response techniques. Participants learned the importance of timely action during medical emergencies and were guided through hands-on CPR practice sessions. The program successfully created awareness, enhanced confidence, and equipped learners with essential life-saving skills and emergency response knowledge.
Guest Lecture on Women Health in Today’s World
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell of Thakur College of Science and Commerce organized a guest lecture on Women Health in Today’s World – Understanding Hormonal Balance, Metabolism, Stress & Menstrual Health on 9th December 2025 at the Seminar Hall, attended by 132 participants. The session was conducted by Dr. Rakhe Desai, Clinical and Lifestyle Management Expert, who created awareness about the importance of hormonal health, stress management, metabolism, and menstrual well-being. The speaker explained how hormonal changes impact physical and emotional health and discussed common concerns such as irregular menstrual cycles, stress, fatigue, and metabolic disorders. Participants were also introduced to the Voices for Victory health platform and app, which supports women’s wellness through health tracking, awareness, and expert guidance. The session encouraged students to adopt preventive healthcare practices and healthy lifestyle habits for overall well-being.
Guest Lecture on Awareness Against Crimes to Women
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell organized a guest lecture on Awareness Against Crimes to Women on 11th February 2026 at the Seminar Hall with 184 participants. The session was conducted by Mr. Vijay Jyostna Balkrishna Madya, Police Inspector, who created awareness about women’s safety, legal rights, and preventive measures against crimes. The speaker explained important laws such as the POCSO Act, POSH Act, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, while guiding students on safety measures, cyber awareness, and the importance of reporting incidents without fear. The session was informative and interactive, successfully promoting legal awareness, gender sensitization, and social responsibility among students.
Quiz on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell organized an awareness quiz on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on 28th November 2025 through a class-to-class activity with 508 participants. The quiz aimed to create awareness about gender equality, legal rights, safety measures, and gender sensitivity as part of the global campaign against gender-based violence. Students actively participated in the online quiz and feedback activity, which encouraged awareness, responsibility, and support towards creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive society.
Rally on Child Marriage Mukt Bharat
An awareness rally on Child Marriage Mukt Bharat was organized on 19th January 20256 at the Thakur campus with participation from 105 students to create awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage. The programme highlighted child marriage as a serious social issue that negatively impacts education, health, and the future of children, especially girls. Sushma Garad from Kandivali Police accompanied the students during the rally. Participants actively marched around the campus area carrying posters and raising slogans such as “Let Children Grow, Not Marry” and “Marriage Can Wait, Childhood Cannot” to spread awareness among the public. The programme educated students about the legal age of marriage in India and encouraged them to take a pledge against child marriage and work towards building a Child Marriage–Free India.
Quiz & Class-to-Class Awareness on Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell of Thakur College of Science & Commerce organized a Quiz & Class-to-Class Awareness Campaign on the theme Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao on 24th January 2026 and 13th February 2026 to spread awareness about the importance of protecting and educating the girl child. Conducted on the occasion of National Girl Child Day, the initiative sensitized students towards gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the need to eliminate discrimination against girls. Student volunteers visited classrooms across departments and conducted interactive sessions using presentations, posters, slogans, skits, and real-life examples to highlight issues such as female foeticide, child marriage, unequal access to education, and societal stereotypes. The activity encouraged active student participation and effectively reinforced the message that educating and empowering girls is essential for building a progressive, inclusive, and equitable society.
Film Screening – KASHISH Forward
The Women Development & Empowerment Cell (WDEC) and Gender Champions of Thakur College of Science & Commerce organized a special film screening titled KASHISH Forward on 28th January at the Auditorium in collaboration with KASHISH Arts Foundation, with participation from 336 students and faculty members. The event aimed to promote gender sensitivity, inclusivity, and social awareness through cinema by highlighting themes related to gender equality, women empowerment, identity, discrimination, and LGBTQ+ issues. The screening featured thought-provoking short films including Because, Dhaall, The Witch of Vihar Lake, If, and Night Queen, which encouraged students to reflect on social realities and diverse perspectives. The event successfully created awareness, meaningful discussions, and greater sensitivity towards equality, acceptance, and social inclusion, making it an impactful and enriching experience for all participants.
Awareness Session on Good Touch and Bad Touch
An awareness session on Good Touch and Bad Touch was conducted on 10th February 2026 at Shri Raghubir English High School, Kandivali (East), Mumbai, to create awareness about personal safety and self-protection among school students. A team of 15 student volunteers conducted interactive activities, role-plays, and discussions to help children understand safe and unsafe touch, identify trusted adults, and report uncomfortable situations without fear. The session was guided by Ms. Jidnyasa Mhatre and Mrs. Lata Singh and was appreciated for its informative, sensitive, and engaging approach towards child safety awareness.
Nail Art and Makeup Workshop
The Nail Art and Makeup Workshop was conducted on 27th January 2026 in Classroom 704 for 43 participants. The workshop was led by Ms. Rani Reddy (Makeup Artist), who demonstrated basic nail art techniques, nail care practices, and everyday makeup application. Students actively participated in the hands-on session, enhancing their self-grooming skills, creativity, and confidence. The workshop was interactive and informative, providing practical knowledge that can be beneficial for both personal grooming and future career opportunities in the beauty industry.
International Women’s Day Celebration
Flash Mob
The Women’s Day Flashmob was organized by the Women Empowerment and Development Cell on 23rd February 2026 at the college gangway to mark the beginning of ‘Sakhi: International Women’s Day Week’. Students performed dance, music, and singing to celebrate womanhood and promote equality and empowerment. The energetic performance created enthusiasm among students and staff and set a positive tone for the celebrations ahead.
LR Meet 2026
The LR Meet 2026 was organized on 24th February 2026 in the Seminar Hall with 55 participants, in association with the Students’ Council and Gender Champion, to bring together Lady Representatives from different colleges for networking, idea exchange, and promoting women’s leadership and empowerment. The event featured speakers Ms. Pankhuri Ranjan (VP, Credit Card Portfolio, IndusInd Bank), Ms. Anjulika Bhagchandani (Digital Creator), and Ms. Reena Bhanushali (Naturopath & Holistic Wellness Coach), who shared insights on skill development in the digital era, self-confidence and manifestation, and the importance of mental well-being and holistic health respectively. The interactive session encouraged participation, discussion, and sharing of initiatives, creating a motivating environment that inspired students to strengthen leadership and empowerment efforts in their institutions.
Sakhi: Beyond the Brand
The International Women’s Day Awards – “Sakhi: Beyond the Brand” were organized on 5th March 2026 in the Seminar Hall to honour women who have made outstanding contributions in various fields. Following a nomination and jury evaluation process, Dr. Pooja Ramchandani and Dr. Anuradha Majumdar received the Woman of Excellence Award, Sangita Tribhuwan received the She Leads the Way Award, Shobana Vasudevan was honoured with the Visionary Woman Award, Pravirti Dev Chand received the Young Achiever Award, Bhumika Bharat Mane received the Courage & Confidence Award, and Gulafsha Ansari was presented with the Best NGO Award. Sponsored by The Entice, the event celebrated inspiring women leaders and reinforced the importance of women's empowerment and social impact.
Celebration for Teachers
The International Women’s Day – Sakhi celebration for the female teaching and non-teaching staff was held on 5th March 2025 in the Seminar Hall. The event began with an awards ceremony recognizing the dedication and valuable contributions of faculty and staff to the institution. A Diamond Jewellery Exhibition was organized as a special attraction, offering participants a unique experience. Fun-filled games and activities, conducted by Asst. Professor Prabhjyot Kaur and sponsored by The Entice, created a lively and engaging atmosphere. The celebration concluded on a joyful note, expressing gratitude to the women staff for their commitment, dedication, and contribution to academic excellence.
Medical Health Camp
The Medical Health Camp was organized on 25th February 2026 in the Seminar Hall by Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital for 250+ learners, teaching, and non-teaching staff as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. The camp provided various health check-ups including BP, blood sugar, lung function, dental and eye check-ups along with doctor consultations. The initiative promoted health awareness and preventive care and received active participation from the college community, coordinated by the Women Development and Empowerment Cell (WDEC).
Two online courses related to gender awareness and social justice were successfully conducted, focusing on Gender Just Relationships and Fundamental Rights, enabling learners to develop a deeper understanding of gender equality, power dynamics, and inclusive social values
A 30-hour hybrid course on “Social Justice and Fundamental Rights” was conducted in September 2025 by One Future Collective (OFC). The course strengthened constitutional literacy and social awareness, with 75 learners actively participating in discussions and reflective learning.
A 30-hour hybrid Cohort-based Course (CBC) on “Gender Just Relationship” was facilitated by One Future Collective (OFC) in February 2026 to help learners understand gender norms, power dynamics, and structural inequalities in relationships. Through participatory learning and reflective activities, 83 learners actively engaged in discussions and assessments, demonstrating improved awareness of gender justice and social responsibility.