Seminar entitled ‘Varied Facets of Women in the Contemporary World’, organised 

Chandigarh, April 6, 2023: A seminar entitled ‘Varied Facets of Women in the Contemporary World’, organised by Dr Ambedkar Centre for Socio-Economic Studies for the Weaker Sections of Society and Department of Sociology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, was held today. Two invited speakers, Professor Shruti Bedi from the University Institute of Legal Studies and Professor Jagtej Kaur Grewal from the Department of Art History and Visual Arts made presentations. Professor Rumina Sethi, Dean of University Instruction, presided over the event.

Professor Bedi asserted that the status of women in India had improved to a great extent, however there is a section of women in society who are bereft of certain basic rights. Lack of awareness of their legal rights led to their subjugation, socially, politically and economically. Professor Bedi dwelt upon pertinent laws that protected women against abuse, harassment, violence and inequality.

Professor Jagtej Kaur Grewal’s talk highlighted the shift in the visualization of women in the work of women artists from traditional representations. According to the speaker, the female was no longer a symbol of fertility or an object of adoration, desire or possession but is the one herself who desires, feels sorrow and lives. This subversion was displayed eloquently by a visual presentation.

The academic session initiated a lively discussion involving faculty and students.