Mangalore: Experts speak on feminism in India at St Aloysius seminar
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Jan 23: The post graduate department of English, St Aloysius College organized a national seminar on ‘Contemporary Feminisms in India’ at Eric Mathias Hall here on Wednesday January 23.
Professor Rajeshwari Sunder Rajan from New York University and Dr Parinitha, associate professor in English, Mangalore University were the chief guests. They inaugurated the seminar while Fr Swebert D’Silva, principal presided over the function.
In his presidential address, Fr D’Silva said that the theme of the seminar was most relevant in the context of the country and town especially. In the present situation, women face violence and are considered lesser humans, he said.
"Feminism is a collection of movements of ideology in defining women as equal in all fields while a feminist is an advocate or supporter of equality of women," he added.
"When we think about feminist movement in India, we feel there are many barriers. Our own religious concepts treat women as inferior to men in some contexts. There is need for total transformation in our attitudes through which we can eradicate inequality. It is not colour, sex, creed that is important, instead, we need to consider our fellow beings as equals," he said.
On the occasion, a book of abstracts on the topic ‘Contemporary Feminisms in India’ was released by the dignitaries.
After the inaugural ceremony, Professor Rajeshwari Sunder Rajan presented a paper on ‘The Global Condition of Women’. She explained the inequality faced by women in parts of the globe.
"In most of the countries, women are treated as subordinates or inferior. The better the position woman has in society, lesser the violence she faces," said the professor.
"Women are considered inferior to men when it comes to main aspects like stake in property, political power, education and health. In some countries, women are progressing in all these fields, but the growth is a slow process."
The professor also cited the examples of growth of women in some countries. "In US work force women's share constitutes about 50% and we see them acting as decision makers also. In China about 40% of business is owned by women.
"This kind of progress is not found in some countries. India ranks low when it comes to position of women in various sectors. Bangladesh has progressed in their economic stability mainly due to women, which is a good sign," she added.
"Not many positions are held by women in Indian parliament but in South Africa, prominence is given to women in politics and they hold 44% seats in parliament," said Prof Rajeshwari.
On the whole, she said the ideas and mindsets of males should change for any progress to take place.
The paper presentation by Professor Rajeshwari was followed by presentation on ‘Being Woman’ by Dr Parinitha and later by Dr Rajeshwari again on ‘The Needs of Modern Indian Feminism’.
Dr A Lourdusamy, HOD of PG department and vice-principal welcomed the gathering while Melissa Goveas delivered the vote of thanks.
Fr Leo D’Souza, research director, Fr Walter Andrade, finance minister, Dr Zita Lobo from RAK Medical and Health Science, Dubai, John D’Silva, vice-principal, Judith Pinto, vice-principal, Alwyn D’Sa among others were present.