DCWSD, Panjab University

The Department-cum-Centre for Women’s Studies and Development (DCWSD) organized a panel discussion on “Representation of Underprivileged Women in Policy Formulation and Parliament” on 10 April 2026. The session was moderated by Prof. Pampa Mukherjee, Chairperson, Department of Political Science, Panjab University. The panelists included Ms. Prajakta Avhad, Founder of Samvedna Organisation and former Chairperson of the Punjab Welfare Council, and Dr. Supinder Kaur from the Department of Laws, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
The discussion was highly thought-provoking and was attended by faculty members, students, and research scholars from DCWSD as well as other departments of the university.
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A counter was set up in Trinjan fest where participants were invited to mark safe and unsafe places in Chandigarh, including the North and South campus of Panjab University. Through this activity, female students shared their experiences and perceptions of safety, helping to identify areas where women and other students feel secure as well as places that require greater attention and improvement.

An Empathy Counter was set up at the Trinjan Fest under the tagline “Empathy Begins with Understanding.” A period pain stimulator was installed to help participants understand the intensity of menstrual pain experienced by many girls and women. Male students were invited to try the stimulator and experience the cramps and discomfort associated with periods. Those who were able to withstand the pain for more than one minute were awarded planters as a token of appreciation.

Day 4 - A Role Reversal activity was also conducted during the Trinjan fest to highlight the importance of questioning and rethinking traditional gender roles. In this activity, participants reversed commonly assigned roles of men and women to understand the everyday responsibilities, expectations, and challenges experienced by each. The activity encouraged participants to reflect on how gender roles are socially constructed and how equality can be promoted by sharing responsibilities and respecting each other’s contributions.

On the fourth and final day of the Women’s Day Week celebrations, titled Trinjan, a fest was organised at the Student Centre, Panjab University. Various stalls and game corners were set up, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for participants. The event was attended by the Dean of University Instruction, the Dean of Student Welfare, faculty members, and students from across the university, making it a vibrant and inclusive celebration of the week’s activities.

Day 3 of the Women’s Day Week celebrations, titled Trinjan, was dedicated to craft and culture, celebrating creativity, expression and community. Participants created zines, expressing ideas and reflections on themes of gender, equality, and empowerment. An open mic session was also organised, where participants shared poetry, singing, storytelling, and other creative performances centred around themes of women, gender, equality, and empowerment. The event provided a vibrant space for creative expression and collective dialogue.

On the second day of celebrating Women’s Day Week, titled 'Trinjan' the Bollywood movie Dor, based on the themes of women’s lives, friendship, resilience, and freedom, was screened, followed by an engaging discussion. The event was attended by faculty members, research scholars, and students from the department as well as from other departments of the university.

DCWSD organised a four-day series of events to celebrate International Women’s Day Week. On Day 1 of the celebrations, a workshop on "Mental Health and Stress Management Strategies” was organised. The resource person for the session was Dr. Komila Parthi, Associate Professor, DAV College, Chandigarh. The workshop was attended by faculty members, research scholars, and students from the department as well as from other departments of the university. The session was engaging and insightful, highlighting the importance of mental well-being and practical strategies for managing stress in everyday life.