International Webinar on Gender Research at PU

Chandigarh December 15, 2021

            The Department of Sociology in collaboration with Population Research Center, Panjab University, Chandigarh  organized an international webinar on Importance of Field Work in Gender Research by Dr Sharada Srinivasan , Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Gender, Justice and Development , Department of Sociology and Anthropology , University of Guelph ,Ontario ,Canada.

            Dr Sharada in her insightful lecture explained the importance of field work in the context of existing gender inequalities which can be dealt with by focusing  on voices of the marginalized women to make the research more impactful. She also highlighted through illustrations the ethics of field work such as informed consent , respectful and inclusive research, avoidance of data mining etc . She wonderfully articulated the significance of having both , that is , a mix of in- person and virtual data collection in difficult pandemic times.

            Professor Rani Mehta, Chairperson, Department of Sociology, introduced  Dr Sharada, and acknowledged the sincere efforts made by her to connect India with other countries through CIRCLE (Canada India Research Center for Learning and Engagement ) which engages in exchange of knowledge between Canadian and Indian scholars on complex and emerging topics.

            Earlier, Prof Kumool Abbi, Director, PRC welcomed Professor S Tomar, Dean Research and Dean Student Welfare, PU  who gave the inaugural address by focusing on the significance of gender research in the contemporary society especially during the Pandemic . He emphasized on the various issues of gender discrimination , gender identity, the problems of transgenders etc which need to be brought out through innovative gender research.

            The webinar was well attended by participants  from across India.