National Workshop on Gender Sensitisation Inaugurated at Sikkim Government College, Rhenock
Pakyong, February 3 (IPR): Minister for Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, Law & Parliamentary Affairs, and MLA Namcheybong, Mr Raju Basnet, attended the inaugural session of the National Workshop on Gender Sensitisation as the Chief Guest.
The workshop was organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Sikkim Government College, Rhenock, held at the seminar hall of the college.
The workshop aimed to establish a theoretical framework while fostering self-awareness regarding prevailing gender norms.
Addressing the gathering, Minister for Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, Law & Parliamentary Affairs, expressed his appreciation for the organisation of such an important workshop on gender sensitisation. He stated that Sikkim, as a progressive State, has taken significant steps towards reducing gender discrimination and promoting gender equality.
He highlighted that the State Government has undertaken various initiatives to ensure greater participation of women in all sectors, while simultaneously supporting the holistic development of both girl and boy children. He emphasised that such initiatives are rooted in constitutional values aimed at ensuring equality, dignity and inclusive growth.
The Minister noted that the girl child in Sikkim is progressing steadily across various fields, supported by visionary policies under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Sikkim. He highlighted the Bahini Scheme as a pioneering initiative of the Government of Sikkim, which ensures 100 percent access to free and safe sanitary pads for girl students in secondary and senior secondary schools, thereby promoting health and improved academic participation.
He further briefed students about government support mechanisms such as the Chief Minister’s Education Assistance Scheme (CMEAS), which enables students to pursue higher education and improve their academic performance. He urged students to make effective use of these schemes to build a strong and fulfilling career. Emphasising the relevance of the programme, he stated that such workshops are highly fruitful and necessary in creating awareness, sensitivity, and responsible citizenship among youth.
Secretary, Higher Education Department, under the Education Department, Ms Tenzing Kizom, addressed the gathering during the inaugural function and highlighted the significance of initiating academic, vocational, and capacity-building programmes in higher educational institutions. She observed that such programmes strengthen the academic ecosystem and contribute to preparing students with relevant skills for contemporary challenges.
She further underlined the importance of faculty development, stating that the growth of students is closely linked to the continuous professional development of educators.
She congratulated the college leadership and faculty for conceptualising and organising the programme, noting that such initiatives reflect a strong commitment to quality education, academic innovation, and social responsibility.
Principal, Sikkim Government College, Rhenock, Dr Shobha Sharma Basistha, briefed on the academic progress of the college and placed requests regarding infrastructure development and academic requirements for students. She also highlighted the series of awareness programmes and seminars conducted by the college, emphasising their role in enhancing student exposure and opening new academic and professional opportunities.
The first technical session was conducted by Assistant Professor, Department of School Management, MIIT University, Shillong, Dr Monika Bhatia, who introduced the concept of gender as a social construct, analysing societal inequalities and challenges arising from rigid gender norms and the gender–sex dichotomy.
The second technical session was conducted by Prof. Dinesh Bhatia, Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, who, through a presentation, discussed personal and professional roles, examined how gender roles influence identity and career expectations and encouraged reflection on personal biases and internalised stereotypes.
The programme was attended by Vice Principal, Government College Rhenock, Mr Santosh Poudyal, Dean College, Mr Saurav Pradhan, along with faculty members.
Report from DIO Pakyong