Session Report
Prasangana Paul
This Course, spread over three days, delved deep into the multifaceted realm of feminism. Throughout the program, participants had invaluable opportunities to explore the rich tapestry of feminist thought, spanning from its historical origins to contemporary manifestations.
On the 2nd Day our speaker, Professor Vibhuti Patel, visiting distinguished Professor, IMPRI, started the session by giving introductory remarks on the broader theme.
Overview of the Presentation – Trends in Feminism
In a captivating lecture, Professor Vibhuti Patel navigated through the rich tapestry of feminist thought, providing a comprehensive overview of its Vision-Mission-Goals and fundamental definitions. Professor Patel commenced her discourse by establishing feminism’s core focus on challenging subordination, oppression, exploitation, subjugation, injustice, and discrimination against girls and women. The lecture unfolded with a homage to feminist foremothers, such as Habba Khatun, Mirabai, and Mary Wollstonecraft, who laid the groundwork for the feminist movement.
The suffrage movement, a manifestation of liberal feminism, took center stage in Professor Patel’s exposition. This historical perspective highlighted women’s collective expression in their quest for constitutional guarantees of equal treatment. Professor Patel ingeniously presented a chart encapsulating 200 years of feminist history, outlining the evolution of feminist thought. The exploration traversed through liberal feminists, emphasizing constitutional equality; Marxist feminists, linking women’s subordination to class contradictions; and radical feminists, attributing the root cause of women’s crises to patriarchy. Additionally, she touched upon socialist feminists, psychoanalytical feminists, postmodern feminists, eco-feminists, black feminists, and Womanists, elucidating the diverse lenses through which feminism is viewed.
Transitioning to contemporary global concerns, Professor Patel delved into the Human Capital Formation School, the Human Development Approach, Identity Politics, Land Rights of Women, and LGBT rights. She underscored the relevance of literary works, citing Maya Angelou as a pivotal voice shaping the current feminist landscape. Professor Patel adeptly connected theoretical frameworks with real-world issues, providing a holistic understanding of the multifaceted challenges and movements within contemporary feminism.
The lecture’s conclusion was marked by an interactive session, demonstrating Professor Patel’s commitment to engaging participants. The ensuing question-and-answer segment covered a spectrum of topics, from ongoing feminist movements to the intersectionality between the queer movement and feminism. Professor Patel’s responses added depth to the discourse, leaving participants with food for thought and a renewed perspective on the dynamic landscape of feminism.
In essence, Professor Vibhuti Patel’s lecture served as a rich exploration of feminism, spanning historical roots to modern-day complexities. By interweaving theory with current global concerns and fostering participant engagement, she illuminated the nuanced evolution of feminist thought and its profound impact on society. The session stood as a testament to the ongoing relevance and vibrancy of the feminist movement, offering both insight and inspiration for those navigating the intricate realms of gender equality and justice.
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