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SHE- Scaffold Her Empowerment
Inspired by the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who said, "If you educate a man you educate an individual, however, if you educate a woman you educate a whole family" St. John's College has designed a programme titled SHE (Scaffold Her Empowerment). The programme is led by The Women Cell, a student initiative that aims to empower and educate young women on the campus and beyond. The college, which has a majority of female students, believes in their potential as agents of change and social transformation. The Women Cell seeks to create awareness about the contemporary issues and opportunities that women face in the world.
Objectives of the Practice:
The Women Cell at St. John’s College is a student-led initiative that aims to empower and educate young women on the campus and beyond. The Women Cell recognizes the potential of women as agents of change and social transformation, and seeks to create awareness about the issues and challenges that they face in the contemporary world. The main objectives of this practice are:
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To enhance the self-esteem and confidence of girls by providing them with opportunities to express themselves.
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To empower girls to take important decisions regarding their personal and professional lives, by offering them career guidance, counseling, and mentoring.
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To conduct health awareness classes that cover topics such as reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, nutrition, and mental health, and to provide access to sanitary products and facilities.
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To educate girls about community living and social responsibility, and to encourage them to participate in social works that benefit the marginalized and underprivileged sections of the society.
I. Activities
1.Motivational Speech
The women’s cell activities for the academic year 2018-2019 inaugurated by Dr.Kaladevi and she urged the students to stand up for themselves and to be brave while talking challenges. She elaborated her own success story to enlighten the students.
2. Familiarization of Vending machine and Incinerator to the students
Upholding the importance of cleanliness and health, there is a napkin vending machine in the Women's Development Centre (WDC). The vending machines were installed to ensure an effective, safe and convenient mode for any time access to the sanitary napkins. The purpose is to promote safe and hygienic sanitary practices among the women and girls. An Incinerator was also installed in the women development centre. After installation, a small demonstration in English & Malayalam was given to the female students, teaching & non- teaching staff.
3. Poster Presentation Competition
Realizing the changing needs of the time Community Development Society (CDS) of Anchal Panchayat along with women’s cell conducted a poster presentation competition on the topic “Women: Yesterday, Today and tomorrow”.
- From among various posters presented the first prize were secured by Kumari Anjali Ashok (II M.Sc Environmental Sciences),Sahana Beevi S (III B.A Communicative English) secured II Place.
4. Transgender Awaress Class
The ignorance and lack of understanding about transgender people in Indian society need to be changed as soon as possible, and it can only be done by spreading awareness among people. Transgender awareness class in collaboration with Social Justice Department was held on October 25, 2019, A.N by 2pm at College Auditorium.
5. Speak out and Stand with Her
One-week long Women’s day celebration programme from 01/03/2021 to 08/03/2021 was organized in collaboration with NSS unit of our college. Along with the above WOMEN’S RIGHT AND AWARENESS Classes were also held.
6. Gender Sensitization Training
A meet on "Gender Sensitization" was conducted in association with the Dept of Women & Child Development. Problems due to gender inequality, dowry related issues, Backwardness of women in society were some of the topics discussed.
- Program officers also shared their opinions and views about the topic. The meet were conducted on Zoom platform.
7. Self Defense Programme for Women
As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, a self defense training programme for women on 3rd March, 2022.
8. Flash Mob and Rally
As a part of international Women’s Day Celebration 2022 a women’s empowerment rally and flash mob was organized to spread the importance of women’s day celebrations to the general public.
9. Pamphlet Distribution of Women Helpline Numbers
On 7th march NSS volunteers of St. John’s College, Anchal distributed pamphlets printed with women helpline numbers in shops, bus stands, auto stand etc.
10. "Orange the World" Campalgn
As a part of this program a campaign named ‘Orange the world’ was held at college by the department. Adv. Rajeesha, Family court Counsellor, Punalur led a debate on the topic United activism to end the violence against women and girls.
II. Facilities for Girl Students
1. Women’s Development Centre (WDC)
Facilities provided for the girl students of the college. Here an exclusive dining facility for girl students is arranged.
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Two rooms are there in the centre, a dining room and a recreation room. The main dining room has facilities for students to take food and also for combine study if necessary.
2. Awareness Classes by the Lady Faculty of the College
The lady teachers of the college also took awareness classes for the girl students on various topics like cleanliness, general behaviour, women’s rights etc. on general meetings convened under the auspicious of Women’s Development Centre.
3. Resting rooms, recreation rooms and toilet facilities for girl students
The college provides separate rooms for the rest and recreation of girl students, equipped with indoor games, chairs, tables and reading materials.
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The rooms have attached washroom facilities, incinerators for sanitary pad disposal, water purifier for drinking water, both cold and normal.
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The rooms are designed to be comfortable, safe and gender-inclusive, following the best practices of restroom design in schools.
4. Security for Girl Students
The college has appointed security staff at the entry points and other strategic locations to ensure the safety and security of girl students. The college has also installed CCTV cameras at different positions in the college premises to monitor and prevent any untoward incidents.
5. Appointment of Lady Counsellors
The college has appointed two lady counsellors in the college so that the girls students could freely and fearlessly talk their issues and seek the professional help needed.