Established 1951 • Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Centre for Women’s Studies
Health & Community Outreach

Centre for Women’s Studies

A pioneering UGC-sponsored centre for the empowerment of women through gender studies — promoting equity, research, advocacy and skill-based transformation.

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Established
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UGC Centre in Chennai City
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Core Objectives
Overview Focus Area Vision Mission History Objectives Infrastructure Courses

Overview

Established in 2005, the Centre for Women’s Studies is the first of its kind — a UGC-sponsored Centre for the “Empowerment of Women” through gender studies.

The Centre actively promotes gender equity through education, advocacy, training, research and community engagement — helping women students think critically and grow as active citizens who advance social justice.

Focus Area

The centre works across empowerment, learning, research and advocacy to support women in real-world contexts.

Women Empowerment

Empowering women through a feminist and critical approach to build confidence, agency and leadership.

  • Building strong women for a strong nation
  • Skill-based training and leadership growth
  • Networking, advocacy and community linkages
  • Gender sensitization for social justice

Women’s Studies

Encouraging interdisciplinary learning and research on women’s rights, laws, policy and social equity.

  • Research on contemporary women’s issues
  • Forum for debate and discussion
  • Legal rights and awareness programs
  • Academic community & epistemic growth

Vision

Our Vision

  • Promoting gender equity that reflects women’s needs and aspirations
  • Educating women students about gender-based inequalities
  • Empowering women through feminist approach and critical thinking
  • Inspiring active citizenship for social justice

Mission

Our Mission

  • Preserve, expand and transmit knowledge about women empowerment
  • Teach the next generation that strong women build a strong nation
  • Extend support and expand research on women’s issues
  • Promote networking, advocacy, skill training and gender sensitization

History of the Centre

The Centre for Women’s Studies of J.B.A.S College for Women (Autonomous), Teynampet, Chennai was established in September 2005 with financial assistance from the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, under the X Plan.

It holds the distinction of being the first UGC-sponsored Centre among colleges in Chennai City. Its objectives include Teaching, Training, Research and Advocacy, and it continues to expand its scope based on the evolving needs of staff, students and women in society.

Objectives

📚 Teaching

Strengthening academic learning in women’s studies and gender equality.

🧩 Training

Developing skills through sensitization programs and community engagement.

🔬 Research

Exploring data and research on issues of contemporary concern.

📢 Advocacy

Providing forums for debate and advocacy on women’s issues.

🤝 Networking

Connecting with NGOs, research scholars, academicians and women’s groups.

⚖️ Legal Rights

Creating awareness about the legal rights of women through structured programs.

Infrastructure

Facilities Available

  • Good infrastructural facilities
  • Library with high quality collection of books on women
  • Classroom for NME classes, special lectures and competitions
  • Internet and landline facility
  • Computers and associated resources for smooth functioning

Interdisciplinary NME Courses in Women’s Studies

The Centre offers two Non-Major-Elective interdisciplinary papers for UG students of the forenoon session under Outcome Based Education during the III and IV semester. A faculty member from the Department of Political Science handles the NME classes.

📘 An Introduction to Women’s Studies in India

Foundations of women’s studies including history, movements and gender frameworks.

⚖️ Women’s Rights and Laws in India

Understanding legal rights, constitutional protections and policy frameworks for women.

Want to Collaborate or Learn More?

Connect with the Centre for Women’s Studies team for workshops, training programs and initiatives that promote gender equity and empowerment.