Invited Talk on Violence Against Women: Resistance & Resilience

Name of the Activity: Invited Talk on Violence Against Women: Resistance & Resilience
Category of the Activity: Celebration of National Women’s Day
Organising unit: Women’s Cell
Date of the activity: 13th February 2026
Time: 12:00 P.M. to 03:00 P.M.
Details of Resource Persons: Durba Bandyopadhyay, Program Director, Adolescent Leadership Program, Jabala Action Research Organisation; Ms. Monisha Pailan, Coordinator of the Kolkata Unit of the Brave Souls Foundation.
No. of Participants: 127 (60 students, 57 faculty members and 6 non-teaching staff)
No. of Beneficiaries: NA

Objective of the activity: The session explored how women could resist and build resilience against violence, blending academic perspectives with real-life experiences. The talks ignited discussions on societal change, empowered attendees with knowledge, and fostered solidarity in combating violence against women.

Brief description of the activity: The Women’s Cell of The Bhawanipur Education Society College celebrated National Women’s Day on 13th February to mark the 147th birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu. The event was graced by the presence of the Teacher-in-Charge and Rector & Dean of Student Affairs. In the invited talk on Violence Against Women: Resistance and Resilience, Dr Durba Bandyopadhyay delivered an insightful speech on the prevalent gender roles in our society. She focused on gender sensitisation, emphasising awareness, education, and shifts in societal attitudes to prevent violence and promote equality. Her deliberation also included practical strategies for community-based gender sensitisation programs, interactive exercises to challenge stereotypes, and insights on integrating gender perspectives into policy frameworks to ensure inclusive development. Ms Monisha Pailan shared her personal life story of facing violation, narrating her journey of overcoming adversity and inspiring empowerment through personal resilience. In her talk, she elaborated on the emotional and psychological coping mechanisms she used, highlighted community support systems that aided her recovery, and offered actionable tips for survivors to reclaim agency and inspire societal change through storytelling and advocacy.

Outcome of the activity: The event blended expert insights on gender issues with inspirational personal testimony to motivate action and awareness. The program provided a platform for discussions, interactions, and awareness regarding women’s rights and achievements. Faculty members, students, and guests participated actively, making the event a meaningful tribute to women’s strength and contributions.