AMU Hosts Seminar on Women’s Political Participation, Calls for Meaningful Representation

 

Prof. Naima Khatoon, Prof. Mohd. Mohsin Khan, Prof. Azarmi Dukht, Prof. Aasim Zafar, Prof. Azra Moosvi, Prof. Mohammad Rizwan Khan and others during the Seminar on Women’s Participation in Polity

AMU Hosts Seminar on Women’s Political Participation, Calls for Meaningful Representation

ALIGARH, April 13: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) organised a seminar on “Women’s Participation in Polity: Towards Equitable Representation” at the Kennedy Auditorium, bringing together academicians, scholars and students for a meaningful engagement with issues of gender, governance and democratic inclusion.

The Chief Guest, Vice Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon, described the Nari Shakti Vandan Act as a landmark step towards gender equality and noted that even incremental inclusion of women in decision-making spaces has the potential to bring about transformative social change. She further emphasised that true empowerment lies in creating enabling environments where women can exercise leadership with confidence, contribute to policy-making processes, and actively shape the nation’s developmental trajectory. She reiterated that inclusive and equitable participation is fundamental to building a just, progressive and forward-looking society.

Addressing the gathering, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Mohd. Mohsin Khan emphasised that women’s empowerment must move beyond symbolic inclusion and be supported by education, financial independence and robust institutional mechanisms that enable women to participate effectively in governance.

In her presidential address, Prof. Azarmi Dukht Safavi highlighted that women’s participation is central to justice and democratic vitality, calling for both structural reform and a transformation in societal attitudes.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Registrar Prof. Aasim Zafar pointed to the persistent disparity between women’s demographic strength and their representation in political institutions. Referring to initiatives such as the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments and the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, 2023, he emphasised the need for translating legislative intent into tangible empowerment and leadership opportunities.

The programme was conducted by Prof. Vibha Sharma, Professor of English and Nodal Officer, who in her opening remarks underscored that representation must go beyond mere numerical presence to ensure substantive participation and agency for women. She highlighted that historically entrenched inequalities and structural barriers continue to limit women’s voices in decision-making spaces, and called for sustained institutional reforms, critical awareness and active participation to bridge this gap.

A formal resolution was presented by Prof. Azra Moosvi, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies, calling for stronger institutional support, leadership development, removal of socio-cultural barriers and promotion of gender-inclusive policies.

The seminar featured insightful presentations by student speakers, including Amna Asim, Syeda Nada Qadri, Khadija Fatma and Nalini Bhatter, who examined structural barriers, institutional bias and the need for meaningful participation and grassroots empowerment.

Faculty members, including Mrs. Zainab Arjumand Waseem, Dr. Tauseef Fatima, Dr. Shyna Saif, Dr. Naghma Farooqui, Prof. Saira Mehnaz and Prof. Rubina Iqbal, expanded the discussion by addressing socio-cultural constraints, legal frameworks and the importance of inclusive policy-making.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Mohammad Rizwan Khan. He acknowledged the insightful deliberations and thoughtful perspectives shared during the seminar, noting that such academic engagements play a vital role in fostering informed dialogue on critical societal issues.

He also commended the organisers, student participants and faculty members for their collective efforts in making the programme meaningful and impactful, and reiterated the importance of continuing such initiatives to promote inclusive thinking and democratic values within the academic community.