9th March, 2026 : Sensitisation Session On Gender Discrimination and Legal Framework at HSR College.

Adv. Ashwini, Executive Director of Dhwani Legal Trust, was invited by Janashikshana Trust and Government First Grade College, HSR Layout, Bangalore, to conduct a sensitisation session on gender discrimination and the legal frameworks designed to address it to the students of HSR Govt. College. Organised as part of the Women’s Day celebrations, the session engaged students in meaningful discussions on gender equality and rights.

It was designed as an interactive session with activities that encouraged active participation. The activities enabled students to critically think/reflect on experiences of various forms of discrimination meted out every day to the marginalised sections of the society.

It started with a welcome note and introduction of the speaker, Adv. Ashwini Founder-Director of Dhwani Legal Trust started the session with the ‘Power or Privilege Game’. Through this the students were able to understand the actual nuances of different sections of people like the Dalits, Women, Adivasis, LGBTQI+ communities and how exactly they are placed economically, socially and culturally in the society they live in. Students could understand and accept the fact that ‘Gender and Caste Discrimination’ is not the thing of the past and has its own forms of practice in today’s world.

Adv Ashwini Obulesh emphasised on the fact that Gender and Sex are two different things and Gender always had ascribed status like roles, responsibilities, clothing, attitudes etc., are all pre-determined factors. She went on to speak about the discrimination meted out to women and marginalized communities even in today’s world. It was made clear by the speaker that the discrimination is still prevalent in different subtle ways like veg only boards, matrimonial ads etc.,

She also briefed the participants regarding the affirmative actions and laws available to the vulnerable sections of the society especially women. The session ended with a call for sensitivity which is the need of the hour, being sensible and as humane as possible while interacting or dealing with these communities. To empathise with other’s emotions and respect each other especially the lived experiences of the oppressed communities is a basic human right and a value.

The day was meaningful and informative to the students as they participated enthusiastically in the discussions.