Women’s Cell Saheli
Brief History
The Women's Cell of Garhbeta College was established with the goal of fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women on campus. It was founded in 2011 in response to the growing need to address the challenges women face in both academic and social spheres. The founder members of SAHELI are Dr. Rita Sil (Convener), Prof. Soma Samanta (Member Secretary), Prof. Alarif Mollah, Dr. Prithwish Kumar Hait, Smt. Sadhana Manna, Smt. Champa Nandi and Smt. Kajal Goswami. The initiative aimed to create a safe space for women to express themselves, gain support, and participate in programs focused on personal growth, leadership, and social justice.
Over the years, the Women's Cell has grown in strength, offering a range of activities such as workshops, awareness campaigns, health check-up camps, seminars, and counselling services. It has become a key platform for promoting gender equality, women’s rights, and mental well-being. Through various initiatives, Saheli has played a significant role in raising awareness about issues such as sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and the importance of women’s empowerment.
By collaborating with local organizations, hosting guest speakers, and encouraging student involvement, Saheli continues to make a positive impact in the college community, inspiring students to advocate for equality, respect, and positive change both within and outside the college.
Aims & Objectives
Following the 1997 Supreme Court judgement in the case of Vishakha and others versus the State of Rajasthan, the Women’s cell in TIFR was constituted in November 1997, in accordance with the mandate that it shall be the duty of the Employer to prevent or deter the commission of acts of sexual harassment and to provide the procedures for the resolutions, settlement, or prosecution of acts of sexual harassment by taking all steps required, and to be proactive by developing a conductive atmosphere on the campus, where women can work safely with dignity. Based on these criteria, Garhbeta College Women’s’ Cell, “SAHELI” was constituted in 2011. “Garhbeta College, being an educational institute amidst the surrounding locales. ” after the establishment of Internal Complaint Committee (in 2020) to address the issues of sexual harassment, “SAHELI” “has expanded its responsibilities for women empowerment” and development to promote their well-being and equality. This concept encompasses social, economic, political, and educational dimensions, aiming to create an environment where women can thrive.
Goals or Mission:
- Empowerment and Support
Safe Space: Provides a supportive environment where women can share experiences and seek advice.
Skill Development: Offers resources and training to enhance personal and professional skills.
- Awareness and Education
Rights and Resources: Educates women about their rights and available resources for support.
Health and Well-being: Promotes awareness on physical and mental health issues relevant to women.
- Advocacy for Gender Equality
Combat Discrimination: Addresses issues of harassment and discrimination, fostering a safer environment.
- Networking and Community Building
Peer Connections: Facilitates networking opportunities among women, encouraging collaboration and mentorship.
Collective Action: Empowers women to come together for common causes and initiatives.
- Encouragement of Leadership
Leadership Development: Encourages women to take on leadership roles and participate in decision-making processes.
Role Models: Highlights successful women in various fields to inspire others.
- Community Outreach
Engagement: Connects with the larger community to support and empower women beyond the institution.
Social Responsibility: Encourages involvement in social initiatives that benefit women in need.
Overall, “SAHELI” significantly and continuously thrive to enhance the environment of the institution, promoting not only the well-being of women but also contributing to a more equitable and inclusive community. Women empowerment and development are essential for achieving sustainable development goals in a holistic environment.
Present Members
Sl. No | Name |
---|---|
1 | Prof. Alarif Mollah |
2 | Prof. (Dr.) Rita Sil |
3 | Prof. Soma Samanta |
4 | Prof. (Dr.) Abhinandan Rana |
5 | Prof. (Dr.) Rajlaxmi Mukherjee |
6 | Prof (Dr.) Swatilekha Maiti ( Member Secretary) |
7 | Prof. Mousumi Pal |
8 | Prof. (Dr.) Sajed Biswas |
9 | Prof. (Dr.) Sanchayita Manna |
10 | Prof. (Dr.) Arpita Banerjee |
11 | Prof. (Dr.) Shampa Deb Chanda |
12 | Prof. (Dr.) Nilanjana Bhattacharya (External Member) |
13 | Smt. Champa Nandi |
14 | Smt. Rina Rani Mallick |
15 | Smt. Sadhana Manna |
16 | Mrs. Tanusri Roy |
17 | Smt. Kabita Sinha Mahapatra |
18 | Smt. Barnali Ray Sarkar |
19 | Smt. Sukla Dubey |
20 | Smt. Kakali Chakraborty |
21 | Smt. Anita Bhunia |
Events and Workshops:
Initiatives:
Women’s Health and Well-being: Share information, tips, and resources regarding mental health, physical health, nutrition, and wellness programs for women.
Support and Counselling: Information on available counselling services for women, both for personal and academic issues.
Installation of napkin vending machine: Installation of napkin vending machine and incinerator at Girls’ hostel and Girls’ common room within the college campus. Providing sanitary napkins at minimal charges.
List of noteworthy activities in past few years:
Name of the activity | Link to the details of the activity |
---|---|
Offered Certificate Course on SELF DEVELOPMENT & SELF DEFENCE | Click here |
Celebration of International Women’s Day every year | Click here |
Celebration of International Men’s Day 2022 & Inauguration of Napkin Vending Machine | Click here |
A national level special awareness lecture “Indian Women in Science (বিজ্ঞানচর্চায় ভারতীয় মহিলা)” | Click here |
A special lecture on ‘8i Marcher Itihas, Lingaboisamya’ (৮ই মার্চ্চের ইতিহাস, লিঙ্গবৈষম্য’) | Click here |
Distribution of Masks, Soaps and Leaflets on Covid-19 Awareness | Click here |
Free Eye Check-up Camp | Click here |
Reaching Out: Ensuring the Well-being of the Student Community - An Outreach Programme on Mental Health Awareness | Click here |
Free health check-up camps for women | Click here |
A Student Sensitization Programme on Cervical Hygiene and Women’s Health | Click here |
Drawing Competition (An initiative to outreach) at Garhbeta Umadevi Girls’ High School | Click here |
Sanitary Pad Distribution Camp & Menstrual Hygiene Workshop at Garhbeta Umadevi Balika Vidyalaya | Click here |
National Level One Day Webinar “Scanning COVID-19 Pandemic through Gender Lens” Organized by SAHELI, Women’s Cell of Garhbeta College in Association with IQAC, Garhbeta College | Click here |
“Banglar Siksha O Sanskritir Ekal O Sekal” Organized by Bengali Department (Post Graduate) and SAHELI, Women’s Cell of Garhbeta College | Click here |
"কোভিড কথা: Understanding Covid -- A Live Webinar on Covid 19 Awareness" Organized by Covid 19 Task Force of Garhbeta College in Association with IQAC and SAHELI, Women’s Cell, Garhbeta College | Click here |
Seminar on Mental Health Organized by SAHELI, Women’s Cell of Garhbeta College | Click here |
“Jam, Jelly, and Pickle making workshop” Organized by SAHELI, Women’s Cell of Garhbeta College | Click here |