The Women’s Cell in association with the Department of Visual Communication, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru campus, observed the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021, with the theme “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World,” to celebrate the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the gaps that remain.
Women are also at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19, as front-line and health sector workers, as scientists, doctors and caregivers. According to the UN Secretary-General’s recent report, they get paid 11 percent less globally than their male counterparts. An analysis of COVID-19 task teams from 87 countries found only 3.5 percent of them had gender parity. Women’s full and effective participation and leadership in all areas of life drive progress for everyone. Yet, women are still underrepresented in public life and decision-making, as revealed in the UN Secretary-General’s recent report.
Some of the most efficient and exemplary responses to the COVID-19 pandemic were led by women. And women, especially young women, are at the forefront of diverse and inclusive movements online and on the streets for social justice, climate change and equality in all parts of the world.
In the program staged by Women’s Cell and the Department of Visual Communication, the students and staff presented their posters signifying the need to break the stereotypical representation of women. A thumb-print art signature was raised on a signboard to impress upon the above theme, as an oath that they would take care of themselves. Many students and staff showcased their support by leaving their thumb impression with various colors. Screening of a documentary titled ‘Devadasi’ produced by the students of Visual Communication moved the audience to tears as the duality of the happiness Vs. the ground reality of women and their hardships were showcased. The audience was also thrilled to view a one-minute candid video on “Choose to Challenge”, which marked the team’s efforts towards scripting and production within that day.
Dr. G. Ravindranath (Principal, School of Arts and Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru campus) wished the staff and students on the occasion. Abbreviating the word WOMAN as W- Wheel of the Family, O- Ocean of Knowledge, M – Mirror of Children, A – Address of Love & Care, N – Navigator of Lifeboat, he highlighted the contributions of women during the lockdown of COVID-19 Pandemic. “Add an S to He, add a Wo to Man, and add a Fe to Male to signify that women and men co-exist in today’s world”, said Dr. Ramya K. Prasad (Convenor of Committee for Prevention of Sexual Harassment). Br. Anantaananda Chaitanya (Campus Director, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru campus); Br. Muktidhamrta Chaitanya (the Correspondent of Amrita Mysuru); section heads, Chairpersons, staff and students were present on the occasion.
