WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT CELL

Women historically have been under- presented in scientific and technical fields.   There are multiple reasons for this, one of the main ones being the cultural stereo types and definitions of women and men which are grounded in religious and culture and have been institutionalized through our education and socialization over the century.   Women have been given limited educational opportunities and have been excluded from professional societies and publications until close to the end of last century.

Over the past 100 years, these limitations have begun to be lifted and doors and minds have begun to open.  To set the fire of 'the desire to win' in young women's hearts, SJCET has formally inaugurated her 'Women In Development Cell', WID on November 2004.  With the blessings of Almighty and the auspicious presence of Miss Mary Metilda, Professor of Maharaja's College, Ernakulam WID have began its mission to promote and support the advancement of women in development profession.  It seeks to empower women as decision maker, to achieve economic, social and gender justice, a healthy, peaceful planet.

Mrs.Deepa V,Department of Applied Electronics & Engineering, is the staff in charge of Women In Development Cell in the year 2009-2010.The cell celebrates the World Women's Day every year. 

In the coming years, the cell will organize lectures and interactive sessions with experts in the field, hold essays and poster competition conduct film shows and other cultural activities. It will also hold group discussions on different relevant topics.March, being Women's Health Month, is a good time for us to consider our past.  Being aware of the history of successful women, gives us both pride in our heritage and ammunition to fight prejudice as we strive for real equity and opportunity.Here's the report of Women's day celebration 2009.

 FEMINA OSTIUM - 09

The SJCET women's community celebrated International Women's day on the 11th March, 2009 in the multipurpose building. The program was coordinated by the Women in Development cell in association with IEEE Women in Engineering.  

The event began with the prayer song to seek  blessing from the Almighty. This was followed by a welcome speech by Mrs. Smitha Jacob, coordinator, Women in Development cell. The presidential address was given by Rev. Msgr. Philip Njaralakatt, Chairman of SJCET and Dr. P.J George, the Project Director gave felicitations. The chief guest for the day, Dr. M.S Razeena Padmam, the Director of School of Behavioural science, M.G. University inaugurated the event with an enlightening speech on development of women in the society, after which the vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Merlyn Emmanuel, Vice-Chairperson ,Student's Council.   
          The inaugural ceremony was followed by cultural events and competitions. A women's orchestra marked the beginning of cultural events. This was followed by Miss Decorus contest to find out the most charming women of our college. Five preliminary rounds were conducted in connection with this event in the previous week. The title was awarded to Ms. Jeena Alphonse Mathew of S8 ECE.   
         Ms. Preenu Dominic then entertained the crowd with an awesome mimicry, after which the IEEE Charisma contest was conducted by Ms. Anu Mary Thomas, representative, IEEE Women in Engineering. This contest also had a preliminary round in the previous week. Ms. Jeena Ann Jacob(S8 ECE), Ms. Neenu Rosia Micheal(S8 ECE), Ms.Veena Elizabeth Jacob(S8 ECE) won the first prize and Ms. Neethu Susan, Anu Sigi Moolamattam and Beyan Jacob backed the second prize. 

Apart from these events, a mehendi design competition was held to explore the creativity of the women folk. A video clipping of some famous women personalities were shown and it was crystal clear that it inspired, enlightened and encouraged each and every person in the crowd. Finally, the crowd was entertained by the drama, 'Snehalayam', which spread the message of love for fellow beings. The National Anthem marked the end of a spectacular event.        

      The new year celebrations, 2009 was also coordinated by the Women in  Development Cell. The program was of one hour duration from 11:30am to 12:30pm. The short but enlightening program began with a transformation ceremony. The theme of this ceremony was to bid farewell to year 2008 and welcome the new year 2009 by lighting the lamp. Everyone was mesmerized by the performance.