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We Can! Roundtable: Hinduism and Gender

October 7th, 2014 | Events, News

we can logoJoin We Can! at AWARE for an exploration of the complex role that gender plays in the Hindu religion, particularly the two major epics: the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Religious epics and mythology have an influence on historical and contemporary understandings of gender. Examining the subtle or obvious messages related to gender becomes an integral part of combatting gender stereotypes prevalent within society.

This examination serves as an opportunity both to challenge potentially sexist stereotypes and celebrate gender friendly aspects within religion and mythology.

Date: 16 October, Thursday
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: AWARE Centre

Speakers:

Shibani Pandya is a part of the Public Awareness and Youth Initiatives department at the Singapore Committee for UN Women. She is also a student in the MA Programme in Peace, Development, Security and International Conflict Transformation at the University of Innsbruck, working on a thesis titled “De-mythifying Rape: An Analysis of Gender-based Sexual Violence in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata”. Driving this is her passion for gender equality, ending violence and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Mrinalini Venkatachalam, Programme Manager, Public Awareness and Youth Initiatives, coordinates and executes all Public Awareness and Youth Initiatives for Singapore Committee for UN Women. Her experience of over 9 years in the non profit world has ranged from working in mental health, to advocating accessibility and equal rights for people with disabilities, to generating awareness on Solid Waste Management in local schools and slums in India. In her current capacity at Singapore Committee for UN Women, Mrinalini promotes the general mission on UN Women throughout the region by raising awareness for Ending Violence Against Women, Economic Empowerment Programs, and Governance and Leadership Programs amongst youth and the public in Singapore. Mrinalini also works closely with businesses and corporates in their efforts to create positive social impact in Singapore and in the region.