Gender Studies Centre

The Centre for Gender Studies of the College is focussed on sustainable development and promotion of gender equality & empowerment of women. The college conducts research, development programmes, panel discussions and symposiums to create awareness and address the diverse needs of women in the society.

2026 – 2027

Soul Strokes – An Art Therapy Workshop
Date: 24 July 2026

The Centre for Gender Studies organised “Soul Strokes – An Art Therapy Workshop” on 24 July 2026, providing students with a safe and reflective space to explore emotional expression through creative practices. The two-hour workshop was facilitated by Dr. Krithika Ananth, Founder of Holisthea and The Flourishing Practice, and Ms. Ayshwarya Ezhilarasan, Art Therapy Practitioner and Founder of The Movement Circle.

The workshop incorporated a range of expressive and reflective activities, including grounding exercises, thematic introductions, drawing, painting, collage-making, poetry, movement, and guided reflection. Emphasising self-expression rather than artistic proficiency, the session encouraged participants to explore their thoughts and emotions in a supportive environment. The programme aimed to promote emotional well-being, self-awareness, and personal growth through the therapeutic potential of creative expression.

2025 – 2026

The Centre for Gender Studies at M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women promotes gender awareness, inclusivity, and social responsibility through academic initiatives, expert lectures, competitions, and awareness programmes. During the academic year 2025–2026, the Centre organized a series of activities that encouraged students to engage critically with issues of gender equality, representation, women’s rights, and empowerment. These initiatives provided opportunities for creative expression, intellectual discussion, and meaningful engagement with contemporary gender-related issues.

2024-25

Lecture on Gender Norms and the Motherhood Penalty: Experimental Evidence from India

Lecture addressed by Prof. Dr. A.S. Bedi
Professor, Development Economics International Institute of Social Studies, Rotterdam

The session provided a comprehensive insight about the gender differences in the country and how it affects women’s careers in relation with motherhood.
The lecture encouraged the students to apply the principles from other countries to enhance and refine domestic policies and practices effectively.

Activities

National Symposium on “Women’s Development through the Ages”

A National Symposium on Gender and Diversity was conducted with the following discussion themes

1. ‘The 99 day diversity challenge’
2. ‘Women down the Ages’

Shakthi Quotient

An inter collegiate quiz organised on the theme ‘The Her in Hero – Achievements of Indian Women through the ages’ as part of Womens’ Day Celebrations

Management funded Research

Dr. Susan Sridhar along with Co – Investigators, Dr. S. Anurekha , Dr. Preetha R conducted a research on “Women Empowerment and Media Literacy – A Study on Kanchipuram District”

2023-24

VIKSIT BHARAT – NARI SHAKTI

Empowering Women for a Progressive Nation

In alignment with the vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), the Centre for Women’s Studies proposed to have a day to commemorate international Women’s day by inviting women from various professions to share their experiences in their respective professions in challenging times. This important initiative aimed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by women in India and explore strategies to empower them as key contributors to the nation’s progress. Keynote speaker for the event are:

Dr.Sowmya Anbumani,

President of Pasumai Thaayagam

Dr.Priya Abraham,

Virologist who waged war against the COVID 19 virus

Ms.Shanthini,

Co-founder of Koodugal NGO