National Seminar On. Date d on February, 2017

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1 National Seminar On GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN CONTEMPORARY INDIA: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES Date d on February, 2017 Organized by DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Lucknow

2 National Seminar on Gender Discrimination in Contemporary India: Issues and Challenges About the University Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University was established in Lucknow in 1996 as a Central University (By an Act of Parliament 1994) with the objectives of promoting advance knowledge by instructional and research facilities in science and social sciences. This University is the Post Graduate and research University & the main objectives of this University are to promote professional studies, inter-disciplinary studies, and research and development activities. With the above objectives, the University has started its academic programmes which have employment potential and relevant for the development of Indian Society. Concept Note The Indian society has been an arena of multiple forms of gender discrimination that cuts across other modes of social stratification like caste, class, region and religion. The social prejudices over status of women in public/private spaces continue to exist even after the advent of modernity and the ideas that follow. Women in view of their marginalized status have faced discrimination of different kinds in political, cultural, economic, and other public domains. They have been denied property ownership, political

3 representation, education, adequate representation in administrative organizations and respectable working positions. More so, the biological difference argument has been taken as a basis to assign them specific roles in private sphere and debar their active involvement in the public arena. The constrains that women have been facing to enter public spheres are structural in nature. In post-independent India, the Constitutional embodying the principle of formal equality assigned equal status to both genders. However, the formal notions of equality and justice seemed inadequate to recognize the difference rooted in gender discrimination. In other words, gender inequalities required an understanding within the broader framework of substantive justice. Assertions made by women through powerful movements however forced the government to address the demand for substantive equality. Undoubtedly the resultant legal remedies have improved the status of women particularly in the economic and administrative spheres more contemporarily. However, the advent of a marketoriented economy with globalization has thrown up new challenges before women. The gendered construction of roles in the new economy has only disadvantaged women and established the dominance of their male counterparts. Similarly, efforts towards political empowerment like that of 73 rd and 74 th amendment to the constitution that reserved 1/3 rd of the seats for women in local bodies has not translated into real participation and involvement in the decision-making process; as also their representation in Parliament and state assembly that continues to be abysmally low. This seminar is an attempt to address following questions:

4 1. What would be the appropriate theoretical framework to understand gender discrimination, its causes and alternatives? 2. What is the magnitude of gender inequality across caste, class, region, religion and community? 3. What are the old and new forms of discrimination in political, cultural and economic spheres? 4. What is the required strategy, approach, policy or programme to mitigate and then eradicate gender discrimination and how do we reach that path? Sub -themes: Gender Discrimination: Theoretical Explanations Women s Representation in Politics and Administration Women in Local Government Gendered Patterns in Economy: Roles and Participation in Formal and Informal Sectors; Globalization and Women Gender and Religion Gender and Ecology Women s Education Women of Marginalized Communities like Dalits, Senior Citizens, Minorities and Tribals Gender, Media and Cinema

5 Abstract and Paper Submission Details Papers on the aforesaid sub-themes are invited from all those involved in teaching and research, policy planning, social activism, people s movement and struggles are invited to present the papers. The papers must be prepared and presented in English or Hindi languages. An abstract of not more than 400 words is to be submitted by 20 th January, The abstracts must be precise and focus mainly on the core objective of study and central argument. The decision of the Apex Committee in this regard will be considered as final. Full papers of the selected candidates must be submitted by 5 th February, The papers must involve a logical and systematic blend of theoretical analysis and empirical research. The papers should follow the Chicago Manual style of editing. The abstract and paper must be sent to:- gdinationalseminar2017@gmail.com Registration Fee There will be on the spot registration. Registration fee will be Rs.500/ for students and research scholars and Rs.1000/ for teachers and others (Invited Speakers and Resource Person exempted from registration fee). Registration fee would cover seminar kit, meals, and photocopy of the circulated papers. The organizers will make efforts to provide modest accommodation to outstation participants subject to availability of the same in University guest house/hostels of the University. Lucknow city has a number of good hotels with tariff ranging from Rs.500 for a non- AC single room upwards. The accommodation requirements must be communicated in advance so that necessary arrangements can be made on time. Important dates Last Date for Abstract Submission: 20 th January, 2017 Date for confirmation of abstracts: 25 th January, 2017 Last Date for Full Paper Submission: 5 th February, 2017 Seminar Organizing Committee Prof. R.C. Sobti Vice Chancellor, BBAU Chief Patron Prof. Kameshwar Choudhary Dean, School for Ambedkar Studies, BBAU Prof. Ripu Sudan Singh Head, Department of Political Science Patron Dr. Preety Choudhari Organizing Secretary & Convenor Other Members: Prof. Sartik Bagh Dr. S.K. Pandey Dr. Siddhartha Mukerji Contact us at: gdinationalseminar2017@gmail.com

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