It gives me immense pleasure to present the Centre for Women’s Studies and Research, a space devoted to advancing knowledge, promoting gender justice and contributing to the empowerment of women and girls.

Established in 2006 under a University Grants Commission scheme, the Centre has traversed a momentous journey from its early focus on research, awareness and outreach to becoming an essential academic institution engaged in teaching, research and community extension programmes. The vision and leadership of the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nelofar Khan, have been instrumental in laying the foundation of the Centre and nurturing its growth.

The introduction of the Certificate Course in Women and Law in 2017 marked the beginning of the Centre’s formal teaching programme. The subsequent launch of the Master’s and PhD Programme in Gender Studies represented a major step forward, strengthening the Centre’s academic identity and expanding its contribution to the field. With a full-fledged faculty in place, the Centre is now positioned to pursue an integrated agenda of teaching, research, curriculum development and social engagement.

It includes the understanding of gender relations, power structures, social institutions, inequalities, and the diverse experiences that shape human lives. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the Centre seeks to encourage critical thinking and generate knowledge that is both academically rigorous and socially relevant.

As we move forward, our priorities include strengthening the quality of teaching and research, encouraging field-based learning, promoting academic collaborations and creating opportunities for students to engage with contemporary issues. We are equally committed to fostering a supportive and gender-sensitive environment in which every student and faculty member feels respected, valued, and encouraged to realize their potential.

The Centre also recognizes its responsibility towards the wider community. Through outreach programmes, legal and gender awareness initiatives, capacity-building activities and institutional partnerships, we aim to reach underprivileged sections of society, predominantly women and girls and contribute to their education, empowerment, and social advancement.

I believe that meaningful transformation is achieved through the combined strength of knowledge, empathy, dialogue and collective action. The Centre will therefore continue to serve as a platform for scholarship, reflection, collaboration and social change.

I warmly welcome students, scholars, faculty members and all our stakeholders to be part of this continuing journey. Together, we can strengthen the Centre’s academic foundations and contribute to building a more equitable, inclusive, and gender-just society.

With the blessings of Almighty Allah, I am confident that the Centre will continue to grow in excellence and make a meaningful contribution to the University and society.