Women Development Cell (WDC)

About Penma

‘Penma,’ the Women Development Cell (WDC), is one of the core bodies that started functioning at the beginning of Al Shifa College of Arts and Science. Its mission is to frame policies and actions that will uphold the three pillars of women empowerment: Truth, Justice, and Equity.

‘Penma’ is a term coined by combining two words in Malayalam. ‘Pen-‘ is the adjective prefix denoting female/feminine, and ‘-nma’ is a suffix implying ‘certainty’ as in the Malayalam word ‘unma,’ which means ‘being certain, real.’ Thus, ‘Penma’ denotes the certainty of being women, the power of being women, and it also implies a call to act and live with that inherent feeling of powerful certitude.

‘Penma’ aims to introduce activities, initiate attitudes, and protect aptitudes that lead to equitable treatment of genders, not only on campus but also at home and in communities.

The WDC of the College, ‘Penma,’ involves and intervenes to integrate women empowerment policies and programs primarily to encourage the well-being of female students, teaching and non-teaching women staff of the college. It also undertakes awareness programs on gender sensitization, women’s rights, and women empowerment. These interventions throughout will help women achieve excellence in their fields and self-respect in their lives. Ultimately, it will lead to socio-economic reformation in societies, with women turning from dream-chasers to dream-makers.
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Aims and Objectives

Vision

To help achieve an egalitarian society in which women are accepted for who they are and respected for their capabilities.

Mission

To awaken the idea of gender equity among male and female students.
To expose the women community of students to the cultural, legal, and scientific principles of gender equity.
To empower women students to believe in themselves and take initiatives that align with their chosen pathways.
To equip women students with the necessary skills and competencies to face the world outside.
To extend their knowledge and skills to communities around the institution to expand the reach of empowerment.

Aims and Objectives:

To promote a culture of respect and equality for women
To enhance the self-confidence of women through legal awareness
To create awareness about social perceptions and remove instances of gender discrimination
To emphasize the importance of economic, social, and gender equality
To organize activities that spread the message of women empowerment
To prevent sexual harassment and address societal biases
To build confidence and foster financial independence
To provide financial literacy awareness sessions
To highlight the importance of health and hygiene

Activities:

The PENMA at this college has organized a diverse range of programs aimed at empowering women across various aspects of their lives. These initiatives have covered a broad spectrum, including skill development workshops, competitions, industry visits, and awareness-building events. For instance, workshops such as “Mastering the Art of Interviewing” and “Women Speak: Public Speaking Skills” targeted specific skill enhancement, while events like “Lady Boss: Celebration of Women Entrepreneurship Day” and “She Spark: Igniting Women’s Entrepreneurial Excellence” focused on raising awareness about entrepreneurship and business opportunities for women. Additionally, the cell organized industry visits and competitions like the “Mehndi Mahfil- Mehndi Designing Competition” to promote leadership, inclusivity, and creativity among participants. These programs collectively aimed at equipping women with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in various spheres of life.

Moreover, the Women Development Cell also undertook initiatives to address crucial health and societal issues. Workshops like “A Holistic Approach to Menstrual Wellness” highlighted the importance of women’s health and well-being. Awareness-building events like “Women Scholarships: Scaffolding Her Future” aimed to inform women about available opportunities for further education and advancement. Additionally, efforts such as the “Communication Network” and the “MUDRA: E-BOOKLET of Interviews with Women Achievers” sought to create networks and provide resources for ongoing support and development. By organizing these diverse programs, the Women Development Cell has played a significant role in fostering an environment where women can thrive, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society.

The Scholarship Cell, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science (ACAS), organised a session on ‘Scholarship Exams’ for 1st Year Students’ on 25 March, 2024 at 10:30 am in Seminar Hall with collaboration of Centre for Competitive Examinations (CCE). The session was coordinated by Mr. Irshad Ameen. K, Assistant Professor of Commerce, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, and Coordinator, CCE.

The session was led by Mr. Anjel Juman, Assistant Professor of Economics and Nodal officer, scholarship cell. 52 Students benefitted from the session. During the session on scholarship exams for first-year students, Mr. Anjel Juman covered a range of standardized tests including TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, SAT, and GMAT. He discussed the significance of these exams in academic and professional pursuits, explaining the differences between them.

Achievements

It’s worth noting that the PENMA grabbed the third position in the Best Women Development Cell Award by the Department of Women Studies, University of Calicut. This recognition underscores the effectiveness and impact of the initiatives undertaken by the Women’s Development Cell, highlighting its dedication and contribution to women’s empowerment not only within our institution but also in the broader academic community. Such accolades serve as motivation to continue striving for excellence and innovation in our efforts towards fostering an environment of gender equality and empowerment.