Kashmir Impulse Desk

Sopore, May 14

Director, Centre for Kashmir Studies at Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Prof Abha Chauhan said rigid gender norms and stereotypes continued to marginalise women in both personal and professional spaces, despite social progress and increased participation in public life.

Chauhan was speaking during an interactive session titled ‘Why Gender Still Matters Beyond Pink and Blue’ organised by the Department of Sociology at Government Degree College Sopore.

The event focused on the continuing impact of gender roles and stereotypes on education, employment, safety, emotional well-being and social empowerment.

Addressing students and faculty members, Chauhan said gender discrimination extended far beyond conventional ideas associated with colours, toys or upbringing.

“It is not only about raising children and what kind of toys they are provided. But it is far more complex and deep rooted than that,” she said.

The sociologist, who previously served as president of the Indian Sociological Society and head of the Sociology Department at University of Jammu, said unequal power dynamics continued to shape women’s experiences across cultures and institutions.

“Even after achieving so much, women still belong to marginalised and underprivileged sections of society,” she said.

Chauhan said rigid gender expectations affected not only women but also men and non-binary individuals by restricting emotional expression and personal freedom.

“Rigid gender norms harm everyone by limiting personal expression and emotional well-being,” she said.

Participants at the session also discussed the need for greater gender equality and shared responsibility within society while recognising the social roles and pressures faced by both men and women.

The programme was organised under the guidance of faculty members including Saima Khan and Ajaz Ahmad, along with the departmental organising committee.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion between Chauhan and students on contemporary gender issues and social change.