An interactive discussion on Silence and Sensitization with Prof. Suneetha Rani,  Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Hyderabad was held on 14 March. There have been instances when words that are hurtful have been used, maybe without intending to.  But in some cases, the words also reflect a deep-rooted stereotyping and social bias or normalisation. This is independent of the gender of both (speaker and receiver) or nothing about gender (for example, attire, looks, speech, social life etc.,).  As sensitivity (rightly so) has increased, the thin line between professional/official interactions & personal comments is difficult to distinguish, unless we are made aware of it. There is a lot of confusion among all of us, which is never voiced and in the long run can affect peer-peer & student-staff interactions, which, needless to say, is a disaster in an academic setting. The interaction session with Prof Suneetha was held to generate awareness and get us talking, not to make one defensive or apprehensive.

March 2023