Symposium on “Need for Implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023”
The Centre for Women Studies, University of Allahabad, in its continued commitment towards promoting gender equality and academic engagement on contemporary socio-legal issues, organized a symposium on the theme “Need for Implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023” on 13 April 2026 at Tilak Bhawan, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj. The programme aimed to sensitize students about the importance of women’s political representation and to deliberate upon the practical aspects of implementing 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies.
The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. Gurpinder Kumar, Assistant Professor, Centre for Women Studies. In his address, he emphasized the significance of inclusive governance and highlighted how the effective implementation of the Act can transform the socio-political landscape of India by ensuring equitable participation of women in decision-making processes.
Following this, the Introductory Address was presented by Prof. Jaya Kapoor, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies. She provided a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution of women’s representation in Indian politics and underscored the structural barriers that have historically limited women’s participation. She further stressed that legislative measures such as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam are essential for bridging gender gaps and strengthening democratic institutions.
The symposium was further enriched by the Special Address delivered by Prof. Indrani Mukherji, Chairperson, Internal Complaints Committee. She discussed the broader framework of gender justice, linking the Act with institutional accountability, legal safeguards, and the necessity of creating enabling environments for women both within and beyond political spaces. Her address highlighted the intersection of law, policy, and social change.
A major highlight of the symposium was the student panel discussion, which provided a dynamic platform for student voices. Participants from various disciplines—including Women’s Studies, Law, English, and Family & Community Science—presented insightful perspectives on the theme. The panelists critically examined issues such as the underrepresentation of women in political institutions, socio-cultural barriers, the role of education in empowerment, and the need for policy implementation mechanisms. Their presentations reflected a strong understanding of feminist discourse and contemporary challenges, while also proposing practical solutions for effective implementation.
The panel included Ms. Shambavi, Ms. Shivangi Kaushal, Ms. Upama Dubey, Ms. Muskan Singh, Ms. Garima Singh, Ms. Adweetiya Vikas, Mr. Vishwas Narayan Tiwari, Ms. Shagun Verma, Ms. Mona Kumari, Ms. Priyam Pandey, and Ms. Nidhi Singh. Each participant contributed meaningfully, bringing diverse perspectives and enriching the overall discussion.
The symposium concluded with Concluding Remarks by Dr. Sonal Shankar, Associate Professor, Department of Law. She provided a thoughtful synthesis of the discussions, reiterating the importance of timely implementation of the Act and emphasizing the role of youth and academia in advocating for gender-inclusive policies.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Rajni Goswami, who expressed sincere gratitude to all distinguished speakers, student participants, faculty members, and the organizing committee for their contributions in making the event a success.
The programme concluded with certificate distribution.