‘Up We Rise - A Walk for Gender Equality’ Organized by The School of Law, NCU on International Women’s Day

“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” Gloria Steinem

The School of Law with the support of the District Legal Services Authority, Gurugram, celebrated the International Women’s Day on 8 March 2018. Empowerment is an important word which we all believe in and the first step in empowerment is taking control of your own health, respecting yourself and understanding and celebrating the value you bring to your family and society. Empowerment is not a gift of society; it is a gift you give yourself.

The theme of the event was ‘Up, we rise - A walk for gender equality’, which drew attention to the many ways that gender equality appears to be slipping, particularly in the area of health, economics, representation and safety. Ms Pritam Rani Siwach, former Captain of the Indian women's hockey team, was the Chief Guest and Mr Mohsen Baharvand, Deputy Secretary General, Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization was the Guest of Honour at the occasion. Col. Bikram Mohanty (Retd.), Registrar, NCU delivering the welcome address said that girls should be educated as “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate an entire family”. Ms Pritam Rani Siwach motivated the students by talking about her struggles to become a successful sportsperson. 

Mr Mohsen Baharvand explained the importance of the word ‘equality’ in gender related issues focussing on the international perspective. The most awaited part of the programme was the ‘nukkad natak’ which highlighted women centric issues and choreographed by the students of School of Law. A vote of thanks was given by Dr Kanu Priya, Head, SOL followed by the National Anthem. 

To sensitize the local community a march was organized from the University to the Sector 23 Market, Gurugram initiated by Ms Siwach. Students raised awareness about gender equality and women empowerment among the general public through slogans, banners and posters. Issues facing women in the Indian society were highlighted through a skit performed in the market place. Safety measures were maintained during the walk by the Gurugram police and security staff of the University. Pamphlets developed on women empowerment by the National Commission for Women, New Delhi were distributed by the students to the general public. The awareness walk proved to be a great success.