On the occasion of International Women’s Day
Progressive Students’ Forum (PSF), TISS cordially invites you to Panel Discussion & Film Screening
Panel Discussion on
Expectation of Women’s groups from the 2014 General Elections
As the nation eagerly awaits the upcoming general elections, various women’s groups across the country have sought our attention to one of the most crucial yet often ignored of all issues at the state and policy level: women’s issues. These women’s groups have called for adequately addressing women’s issues, needs and demands by decision making bodies at all levels of governance by releasing the ‘Gender Manifesto’ in November 2013 with the hope that political parties would consider it for the 2014 general elections. The gender manifesto does not stand in vacuum but shapes itself politically as an intrinsic part of the manifestoes of the various political parties contesting for power. It demands strong commitments from them to not limit themselves to only addressing certain issues as deemed important within the mainstream political discourse but also responsibly ensure that the next government in power responds effectively to something as pertinent and serious as the ‘gender issue’ by developing and executing ‘gender sensitive’ and ‘gender inclusive’ policies and legislations at all arenas of decision making. Within the electoral frame, the demand for the creation and the development of legal frameworks that not only ensure ‘gender equality’ but also ‘gender equity’ within political parties for full and effective participation of women in politics, immediate implementation of the Justice Verma Committee recommendations, proper utilization of the Nirbhaya Fund, the provision for developing a conduit for the impending Women’s Reservation Bill, women’s health and nutrition, work opportunities and education are some of the core concerns raised in the gender manifesto; not to forget issues pertaining to the ‘girl child’ as well. In the current scenario of electoral politics, how will the gender question be represented and addressed by all decision making bodies? Will the demand for gender equality by women’s groups be treated as a basic right and find equal space in the electoral agenda of political parties?
Introduction of Speakers
Kiran Moghe was the all India secretary of AIDWA and is now a secretariat member of AIDWA at the national level.
Hasina Khan is secretary general, Awaaz – e- Niswaan (voice of women) and member of Forum against Oppression of Women. She advocates for the rights of Muslim women and the LGBT community at the national level.
Shama Dalwai is executive Member of Samajwadi Mahila Sabha- Mumbai Branch. She is also actively working with Swadhar since 1975. At present she is a member of Women’s Development cell of Mumbai University.
Date: 6th March (Thursday), 2014
Time: 6 pm-8 pm
Venue: Old Conference Hall, TISS
Film Screening
Offside
Offside is a 2006 Iranian film that shows struggles of women in a country that excludes them from entering the stadiums. The film is about a group of girls in Iran who attempt to watch a football World Cup qualifying match but are forbidden by law due to their sex. Risk of violence and abuse are the reasons given for the ban. The film is directed by Jafar Panahi, who is identified with the Iranian New Wave film movement. Like many of Panahi’s films, especially on women and children, this film too was banned in Iran. It is said that the story was inspired by the attempt of director’s daughter to watch a football match in Iran. It was filmed at an actual stadium, at a real life qualifying match for the Iranian national team.
Running time: 90 minutes
SAVING FACE
Acid attacks are a widespread phenomenon in South Asia, especially in countries like Pakistan and India. Every year in Pakistan, many women are known to be victimized by brutal acid attacks, while numerous other cases go unreported. With little or no access to reconstructive surgery, survivors are physically and emotionally scarred. Many reported assailants, often a husband or someone else close to the victim, receive minimal if any punishment from the state.
Zakia is a 39-year old woman who had acid thrown on her by her husband after filing for divorce. She strives to find justice, alleviate pain and restore functioning and features to her face.
Rukhsana is a 23-year old woman who was attacked by her husband and in-laws and forced to reconcile with them.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Mohammad Jawad left the prominence of his London practice to return to his home country and help the victims of such attacks.
SAVING FACE chronicles the lives of Zakia and Rukhsana as they attempt to bring their assailants to justice and move on with their lives. It follows their personal stories and that of the nation of Pakistan as it attempts to tackle this horrific social problem. Directed by American filmmaker Daniel Junge and Pakistani director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, it won the Oscar for Best Documentary (Short) in 2012.
Running Time: 40 minutes
Date: 7th March (Friday), 2014
Time: 6 pm onwards
Venue: Old Conference Hall, TISS
Progressive Students' Forum TISS 