Saksham – Center for Women Empowerment
Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities
About the Centre
“Empower a woman, and you elevate an entire community.” — Dr. Kailash Satyarthi
The Saksham – Center for Women Empowerment at Vishwakarma University was established in 2023.
Rooted in the fundamental principles of Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India, which uphold gender equality and the right to life and liberty, the centre serves as a space for advocacy, awareness, support, and action within the university.
At Saksham, the focus is on creating an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, has access to equal opportunities, dignity, and security. The centre works to support women’s empowerment not only within the university, but also through initiatives that encourage wider social awareness and positive change.
By championing gender equality and promoting protective and enabling measures, Saksham encourages students, faculty, and the university community to contribute towards a more equitable society.
The Cell addresses the needs of SEDGs as emphasised in the National Education Policy 2020 and works towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive academic environment.
To empower women to lead with education, rights awareness, and opportunities, advancing gender equality and societal progress.
Objectives
To Provide Skill Development: Offer training programs and workshops to enhance professional and personal skills.- To Create Support Networks: Establish mentorship and peer support networks to guide and encourage women in their pursuits.
- To Promote Leadership: Facilitate leadership training and opportunities for women to take on influential roles.
- To Advocate for Equality: Implement initiatives that promote gender equality within the university and the broader community.
- To Foster Inclusive Culture: Cultivate a campus environment that respects and includes diverse perspectives and experiences.
- To Encourage Academic Excellence: Support women in achieving academic success through scholarships, research opportunities, and academic resources.
- To Facilitate Career Advancement: Provide career counselling, internships, and job placement services to help women advance in their careers.
What Saksham Stands For
Saksham stands for equal opportunity, dignity, security, leadership, and empowerment. It works as a vital resource within and beyond Vishwakarma University, encouraging awareness, advocacy, and participation in the movement towards a more equitable society.
Events & Activities
The centre conducts initiatives related to:
- Skill development and training
- Leadership and awareness programmes
- Mentorship and support initiatives
- Academic and professional development activities
- Gender equality and inclusive engagement initiatives
People Behind the Centre
The centre is guided by faculty members and coordinators who support initiatives related to women empowerment, leadership, participation, and development across the university community.
Dr. Pashmina Doshi
Director
Ms. Mrunalini Kulkarni
Deputy Director
Ms. Kirti Deshpande
Member
Prof Amrita Thakur
Member
Dr. Vaishali Sahoo
Member
Dr. Vijaya Hake
Member
Dr. Amol Kamble
Member
Ms. Unmesha Patil
Member
Dr. Madhavi Saxena
Faculty Representative, Member
Prof Prajakta Dhamdhere
Member
Ms. Aarti Sardhara
Member
Dr. Pavitha Nooji
Member
Ms. Kanchan Katake
Member
Mr. Shekhar Paigude
Member
Mr. Rahul Mate
MemberProf Gauri Gaurav Kulkarni
Member