Guest Lecture on “Gender in Context: Mapping Intersectionality Across Structures of Power”

Event Date: 22nd May, 2025

Event brief description – The Center for Gender Studies, School of Law, Galgotias

University, organised a guest lecture on “Gender in Context: Mapping Intersectionality Across Structures of Power” on May 22, 2025*, as part of its mission to encourage inclusive and critical dialogue on gender and social justice. The guest speaker for the day was *Dr. Sujata*, a renowned feminist scholar, poet, and professor at the University of Delhi, whose body of work reflects a deep engagement with feminist theory, activism, and literature. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Aditya Tomer Sir, Dean, School of Law, for his invaluable guidance and unwavering support. We also thank our Associate Deans Dr Moumita Sen Chakraborty and Dr Smitha Nizar for their relentless encouragement and constant affection.

During the lecture, Dr. Sujata engaged the audience with a compelling discussion on the

complex and layered nature of gender identity, highlighting how social categories like

caste, class, race, and sexuality intersect with gender* to produce distinct experiences of oppression and privilege.

Following the lecture, an engaging Q&A session was conducted where students and faculty posed insightful questions, further enriching the discourse.

The lecture was a thought-provoking and impactful experience, reinforcing the Center’s commitment to promoting critical thinking, social responsibility, and gender sensitivity. With active participation from students and faculty alike, the event marked another step forward in building inclusive academic spaces at Galgotias University.

Event Detailed Description- Guest Lecture Report

Topic: “Gender in Context: Mapping Intersectionality Across Structures of Power”

The Center for Gender Studies, School of Law, Galgotias University, organized a guest lecture on “Gender in Context: Mapping Intersectionality Across Structures of Power”on May 22, 2025*, as part of its mission to encourage inclusive and critical dialogue on gender and social justice. The guest speaker for the day was Dr. Sujata, a renowned feminist scholar, poet, and professor at the University of Delhi, whose body of work reflects a deep engagement with feminist theory, activism, and literature.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Aditya Tomer Sir, Dean, School of Law, for his invaluable guidance and unwavering support.

The event commenced with a warm welcome and introductory note by Atharv Paliwal

Co-Convenor of the Center and the anchor for the session, followed by the felicitation of the guest by Prof. (Dr.) Moumita Sen Chakraborty, Associate Dean, School of Law, along with faculty members. During the lecture, *Dr. Sujata* engaged the audience with a compelling discussion on the complex and layered nature of gender identity, highlighting how social categories like caste, class, race, and sexuality intersect with gender to produce distinct experiences of oppression and privilege. She elaborated on the concept of *intersectionality* originally coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, and its application in the Indian context, particularly in relation to *patriarchy, caste-based hierarchies, heteronormativity, and systemic silencing of marginalized voices.

The lecture emphasized the need to move beyond binary framework and adopt a more inclusive lens while advocating for gender justice. She also shared examples from her academic work and activism, referencing her books such as *Stree Nirmiti*, *Duniya Mein Aurat*, and *Patriarchy, Sexuality, and Homosexuality*, to illustrate how literary and cultural narratives both reflect and challenge social power structures. The session sparked deep reflection among the attendees on how institutions and ideologies reinforce social inequalities, and how feminist thought must be rooted in lived realities.

Following the lecture, an engaging Q\&A session was conducted where students and faculty posed insightful questions, further enriching the discourse. The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Mr. Vishu Raman, Convenor of the Center, who expressed gratitude to the speaker, dignitaries, faculty mentors Dr. Shubhrangana Pundir- In Charge and Ms. Avantika Tiwari ,and the dedicated student team for their tireless efforts in organizing the event.

The lecture was a thought-provoking and impactful experience, reinforcing the Center’s commitment to promoting critical thinking, social responsibility, and gender sensitivity. With active participation from students and faculty alike, the event marked another step forward in building inclusive academic spaces at Galgotias University.

Department Name – School of Law

Event Outcome - The lecture was a thought-provoking and impactful experience, reinforcing the Center’s commitment to promoting critical thinking, social responsibility, and gender sensitivity. With active participation from students and faculty alike, the event marked another step forward in building inclusive academic spaces at Galgotias University.

Related Goal