WOMEN STUDIES CENTER(WSC)
India has traversed a long distance on the road to development since independence, achieving significant success in various sectors. But still there are miles to go for growth and development, particularly in the spheres of employment generation, health, education, rural development, sustainable development, agriculture, environmental protection, social justice and women empowerment. Women being half of the country�s population, they should be facilitated to play their rightful role in the country�s development, its governance, polity and foreign affairs. They should also have their rightful share in the socio-economic and political development.
The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles. Within the framework of a democratic polity, our laws, development, policies, plans and programs have aimed at women�s advancement in different spheres. From the fifth Five Year plan (1974-1978) on words, there had been a marked shift in the approach to women�s issues from welfare to development. In recent years, the empowerment of women has been recognised as the central issue in determining the status of women. The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1993) to the constitution of India have provided for reservation of seats in the local bodies of Panchayaties and Municipalities for women, laying a strong foundation for their participation in decision-making at the local levels.
Mahatma Gandhi National Institute of Research and Social Action (MGNIRSA) was estableshed Women's Studies Centre Under the Scheme of Development of Women Studies in Indian Universities and Colleges by University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi.
In the history of 10 years, the centre has made long strides in the direction of Teaching, Research and Development.
It also addresses several other contemporary socio-political issues concerning women. Teaching and research has gradually become the prime focus of the Centre.
The Centre offers short term courses for undergraduates, graduates and post graduates Certificate Courses in women's Studies is offered at colleges for under graduates.
The centre also organizes gender sensitization programs, community action, lectures, workshops, seminars and conferences regularly.
Achievements of Dr. K.Vijayanthimala
