Women Development Cell

The Women Development Cell successfully organized a workshop titled "Empower Yourself: Mastering the Art of Self-Defence" to commemorate Women's Day on Saturday, 8th March 2025, at 9:00 AM in the Stilt Area (College Basement). The session, conducted by Mr. Umesh Murkar from Gurukul Kruti Foundation Trust, aimed to build confidence and empower participants with essential self-defense techniques.

A total of 56 students actively participated in the interactive session, where they learned practical strategies to protect themselves in various situations. The workshop emphasized awareness, quick reflexes, and simple yet effective defense moves, ensuring that participants felt more prepared to handle potential threats. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-life scenario training, students gained valuable skills that enhanced their sense of security and self-reliance.

The event successfully achieved its objective of fostering confidence and self-empowerment among students. E-certificates were provided to all participants, acknowledging their enthusiastic involvement.

The Women Development Cell, in collaboration with Bharatiya Jain Sanghatan- Mumbai Chapter, under the MoU successfully organized a two-day free workshop on Smart Girls Training on Friday, 24th January 2025, and Saturday, 25th January 2025, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Block No. 710 (7th Floor). The workshop was conducted by the  resource person, Mr. Ratnakar Mahajan, and was specifically designed for adolescent girls to empower them with essential life skills and prepare them to face personal and social challenges confidently.A total of 42 girls attended the workshop. The workshop successfully empowered participants by enhancing their self-confidence, communication skills, and awareness of personal health. Discussions on women’s health emphasized the importance of well-being, while sessions on decision-making encouraged critical thinking and informed choices. Strategies for building healthy relationships, managing peer pressure, and learning self-defense techniques equipped participants to handle real-life challenges effectively.This initiative by the Women Development Cell and Bharatiya Jain Sanghatan fostered lasting confidence, resilience, and holistic development in young women.

The NSS Unit and Women Development Cell in collaboration with Child Help Foundation organised a session titled “Break the Stereotype: Spreading Gender Sensitization” on Thursday, 5th September, 2024 from 08.00 am onwards in the respective classrooms. The aim of the session was to raise awareness regarding gender equality and help break the stereotype and eliminate gender discrimination. Ms.Ria Noronha , Mrs. Chris Shenoy & Mr.Ibrahim Khan  from Child Help Foundation conducted sessions in the respective classrooms to Undergraduate learners. Overall around 400 learners benefitted from the session.
 

The Women development cell in association with Inner Wheel club of Bombay (Kandivali) organized a seminar titled “Empowering through Equality: A talk on Women’s Rights” on Thursday, 18 th July, 2024 at 11.30 am in Block no. 406 The Aim of the session was to raise awareness about Women's Rights among the female students with a goal to empower them. Speaker for the Session was Advocate Pradnya Dhule. It was an overwhelming and knowledgeable experience of understanding the rights and laws for women in the law and order. Almost 50 girls participated in the seminar and got the benefit of vast practicalities in the legal world. Participants also received the e-certificates who attended the seminar.

The Women Development Cell organised a seminar on Holistic Wellness: Health, Hygiene and Personality Development in Association with and sponsored by Procter & Gamble (P&G) on Friday, 28th June, 2024 at 10.30 am in Block no: 505. The objective of the seminar was to equip the learners with necessary grooming and personality development skills that are essential for professional growth and success. Speaker for the session Ms. Vinetha Rajendran gave an elaborated session to the female students of SY & TY of all the programmes on different aspects contributing to holistic wellness and overall personality development.Topics such as menstrual hygiene, Physical and mental wellness, grooming tips for events such as interviews were briefly discussed by the speaker. Overall 46 female students attended the session and got basic grooming tips and also received goodies from P&G.
 

The Women Development Cell, in association with Laja Talks, organized a program titled “LAJA TALKS” on Tuesday, April 18th, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in the Mini Auditorium (Block No. 706). The theme of the program was "Yodha" (Warrior). The program aimed to create a platform where individuals could share their personal experiences and stories to inspire, empower, and support one another. Nine esteemed speakers, each with their own remarkable journey, took center stage to inspire and uplift audiences with their stories of courage and resilience. The program successfully achieved its aim of providing a space for meaningful sharing and inspiration. 20 students attended the event, actively engaging with the speakers and participating in discussions. Each speaker's story resonated deeply with the audience, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment among all attendees. Through the transformative power of storytelling, the program left a lasting impact on everyone present, igniting a renewed sense of motivation and determination in the hearts of the audience members.

The Women Development Cell organised a seminar on Gender Sensitivity titled as ;Fostering Gender Sensitivity in Campus Culture, which was held on Wednesday, 24th January 2024, at 11:30 a.m. The event, aimed at celebrating National Girl Child Day, provided valuable insights into cultivating a more inclusive campus environment. The seminar, attended by 73 students, featured Ms. Shweta Chaturvedi, the In-Charge Principal of Shree L.R. Tiwari College of Law, as the resource person. Her extensive experience as an advocate in both civil and criminal courts enriched the discussions and added a practical dimension to the understanding of gender sensitivity. Throughout the event, participants actively engaged in discussions, exchanging perspectives on fostering awareness and understanding of gender sensitivity within the college community. The dedication and enthusiasm of the attendees contributed significantly to the seminar success.

The Women Development Cell in association with Inner Wheel Club of Bombay Kandivli organised a seminar titled “Empowering Health through Personal Hygiene” on  Monday, 11th   September, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in Block No. 311. The aim of the seminar was to shed light on critical aspects of women's well-being and address the societal and individual factors that impact their health. It seeked to promote awareness, education and practical solutions to encourage women in taking control of their health by promoting safe menstrual practices.
Inner Wheel Club of Bombay Kandivli is involved in helping underprivileged people and works in the areas of education, health, environment, orphanages, old age homes and arranges various awareness programmes in schools and colleges. The resource person, Dr. Vidya Patil, had 25 years of experience in the field of gynaecology and obstetrics. 
The speaker began by explaining the female anatomy and the functions of each organ. She informed the students about what a healthy menstrual cycle should be like and the various health issues women face due to lack of proper knowledge or misconceptions related to hygiene. She also elaborated on the care one needs to take to avoid infections like UTI and the use of proper menstrual products. She discussed the causes of obesity among women and how it affects the menstrual cycles and future pregnancies. Participants enthusiastically asked questions on the above topics and cleared their doubts. 
The seminar gave several significant outcomes. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the female anatomy, menstrual health and reproductive well-being. It helped dispel myths and taboos surrounding women's health, particularly related to menstruation. Attendees learned practical tips for maintaining good hygiene and information on nutrition and dietary choices for different life stages empowered women to make healthier choices. A total of 130 students benefitted from the session. 

he Women Development Cell organised a seminar titled “Empowering Women’s Rights” on  Thursday, 17th   August, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. in the Mini Auditorium (Block No. 706). The aim of the seminar was to foster an inclusive environment that empowered all individuals to excel and contribute to society.
Advocate Minaxi L. Paniya, a practising Advocate of Bombay High Court with over 40 years of experience was the resource person for the event. Her experience working for an NGO and Legal Aid Centre that served destitute women prompted many enlightening conversations with the participants.
The speaker shared stories of her clients while also educating the students regarding the various circumstances, laws and sections under which a woman could file a lawsuit. The session covered topics like dowry, physical violence, mental harassment, streedhan, alimony and protection of women in matrimonial homes. A question-answer round was held at the end of the seminar where participants narrated their personal issues and scenarios and asked for guidance on taking the next step.
The Women's Rights Seminar yielded several significant outcomes. The seminar successfully raised awareness about the challenges and barriers women face in various aspects of society, including education, workplace and social norms. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the importance of gender equality and the urgency of addressing these issues. The stories and experiences shared by the speaker and fellow attendees served as a source of inspiration to advocate for change and contribute to women's empowerment. Equipped with accurate information, participants are better prepared to counter misinformation and promote evidence-based solutions. A total of 80 students benefitted from the session.

Names of the Speakers: Dr. Urvashi Manuprasad Pandya 
Dr. Meher Bhoot 
Dr. Hema Mehta 
Schedule: Wednesday, 8th March, 2023 at 11:45 a.m. 
Venue: Online, No. of Participants: More than 100 
The Women Development Cell of the college had organised a National Level Gender Sensitivity Programme (Panel Discussion) titled "Let's Get Gender Right!" with an aim to commemorate Women’s Day by highlighting their achievements. The focus was also on creating awareness about gender-related issues, developing mutual respect and empathy towards the other genders and promoting equality amongst them.  
The panel included: 
Dr. Urvashi Manuprasad Pandya, Chairperson of Women Development Cell, University of Mumbai. She is therecipient of National and State Level Awards for her contribution to Gujarati Literature. 
Dr. Meher Bhoot, Head of the German Department, University of Mumbai. She has been a DAAD (German Academic Exchange Programme) Fellow and the recipient of Rotary Cultural and Ambassadorial Scholarship.  
Dr. Hema Mehta, Associate Professor at Tolani College of Commerce. She has been invited as a Resource Person to conduct seminars and workshops on gender-related topics at various institutions. 
The programme was conducted at the National Level for students and faculties. The speakers gave their views on the current scenario and problems faced by each gender. The participants then asked them questions and also shared their views. The speakers answered these questions to the best of their knowledge and presented a new way of perceiving things. Overall the session was enlightening and it benefitted over 100 participants.

The Women Development Cell of Nirmala Memorial Foundation College in association with ‘Millionminds’  had conducted a seminar on Health and Hygiene for its female students on Monday, 12th December,2022 at 11.30 am in Block 311. 

Vinita Mahajan, a trainer at Millionminds was the guest speaker. Millionminds is a company who has conducted sessions in personal hygiene in more than 100 campuses all over India.

The seminar focused on how to make oneself presentable with basic grooming skills, maintaining personal hygiene and promoting healthy and safe menstrual practices. The Overall  message of the seminar was that Better Hygiene leads to better health.

124 students attended the seminar and received valuable information on Personal health and importance of hygiene. Apart from the information the students were given goodies containing personal hygiene related products  at the end of the session by the company. 
Overall the seminar was quite informative and hence of a great help for the targeted age group students.

The Internal Quality Assurance Cell in association with Women Development Cell organised a Self Defense Workshop at Nirmala Memorial Foundation College of Commerce and Science with an aim to create awareness regarding various perspectives of self-protection and give the confidence to deal with unfavourable scenarios.
Mr. Umesh Murkar is a Black Belt 6th Dan, International Gold Medalist and also an International Kick Boxing Referee.
The workshop was open to students from all programmes and also the teaching and non-teaching staff. Mr. Murkar, with the help of Miss Prapti Redkar (Wako National Gold Medalist), shared a variety of tips and tricks as to how one must defend themselves during an attack. Different scenarios were discussed and the students were asked to practice the moves individually as well as with partners. They were also taught a few attacking techniques while sir corrected them whenever necessary. Miss Redkar performed her routine after the session. A question-answer round was conducted at the end and students clarified their doubts.
Students enjoyed the event and expressed their enthusiasm about having more of such events.
 

The Women Development Cell of Nirmala Memorial Foundation College of Commerce and Science organised a seminar on Awareness on Sustainable Menstrual Products in collaboration with the Inner Wheel Club of Bombay. 
The Inner Wheel Club of Bombay is a part of International Inner Wheel, one of the largest women’s service voluntary organisations in the world with presence in 104 countries.
Convenor Prof. Nilam Goradiya welcomed the representatives of the Inner wheel Club of Bombay. The guest speaker for the seminar, Dr. Aditi Dandawate, a highly resourceful and knowledgeable paediatrician at Shatabdi Hospital, gave valuable insights into various facets of sustainable menstrual products that is the need of the hour. 
The seminar commenced at 12.00 noon in the mini-auditorium. Around 70  lady students of the college were present in the informative seminar, which was of one-hour duration. The speaker very efficiently and in an extremely simple manner explained the various alternatives available for use during the menstrual cycle. She threw light upon menstrual cups, discs and other means.
 This seminar was an informative session for students, teaching and non-teaching female staff as it focused on menstrual health as well as on the protection of the environment. 

A Rakhi Exhibition cum Sale  was organised by Women Development Cell on Friday,  05th August, 2022 at Nirmala Memorial Foundation College of Commerce and Science.

The Women Development Cell of Nirmala Memorial Foundation College of Commerce and Science organised a rakhi exhibition cum sale in collaboration with Asmita Foundation.

Asmita Foundation empowers specially abled individuals to earn a living by making handmade articles like handbags, artifacts, rakhis and many other products.The exhibition commenced at 9.00 a.m. at the ground floor in the college. Representatives from Asmita Foundation, along with WDC student members, displayed rakhis and sold their creations under the supervision of the Convener, Prof. Nilam Goradiya. The exhibition continued till 1.30 p.m., and 151 rakhis were sold. The proceeds of sales will be used for welfare of specially abled people of Asmita Foundation.

Students showed great enthusiasm to the exhibition by giving an overwhelming response and made it a success. 

 

Measures initiated by the Institution for the promotion of gender equity during the year are as follows

1. CCTV Camera
2. Visitor register
3. Restricted Entry
4. Female guard .
5. Girls Common room
6. College has maintained two Sanitary napkin dispensing machines at fresh rooms for girl students.

All the learners are hereby informed that Anti Ragging Committee is organising a online Webinar on “ Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions” on i.e. Saturday, 29th Jan 2022 from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm. The webinar will be conducted by Dr. Firdos Shroff, Advocate and Global Icon: Motivational Guru & Life Coach, University of Mumbai. He will guide about the precautionary measures and law. All are requested to avail this opportunity. Register yourself on the given link.

The Women Development Cell in association with Adarsh Foundation and Noble Foundation/ Audyogik Shakari Sanstha is organising a Women Empowerment Programme on Wednesday, 26 January, 2022 for tribal women residing in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali. The programme will impart training in making sanitary pads to the tribal women. The objective is to equip them with the necessary skills to enhance personal hygiene and also to launch their own business venture. Mrs. Sujata Sawant, Founder President, Adarsh Foundation/ Noble Foundation.

The session was started with the welcome speech was given by Ms. Hridaya Patil, student member of WDC, NMFC. Then I/C Principal Ms. Swiddle D'Cunha highlighted that time has come for women to be strong and healthy and no pandemic can stop her from growing. The Resource person for the session was Dr. Bhavini Patel, Gynaecologist. Dr Bhavini Shah is working as Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist in reputed hospitals at Mumbai & Ahmedabad. She has also worked as Assistant Professor in the Department of Gyn & Obs with B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad. She has more than 23 years’ experience of managing cases of high-risk pregnancy, infertility and gynec surgeries.
 

Self Defence Training Program was organized for girls students of the college on Tuesday, 23rd November 2021 from 10.30 am to 11.30 am. Mr. Umesh Murkar and Mr. Chandrakant Narayne, Security Commandos  of Bruhanmumbai Municipal Corporation conducted the workshop. The basic techniques of self-defence were taught to the students. This program was made “Live” through “Zoom Platform” where Around 40 girls were connected and 50 students attended the workshop organised in the college basement.

Self Defence Progarm for “Divynjan”
On the eve of Womens day 7th March 2020, Women Development Cell of our college organized self defence program for divynjan, at Asmita Foundation, Ashokvan, Borivali East. The session was conducted by our girl students, wherein techniques of self defence were taught to the divyanjan working there. This session helped them develop confidence to face the unpredicted challenges of life. 40 people were benefited by this session.
 

WDC Organized a program on “CYBER SECURITY” for  girls student on  Wednesday, 29th January 2020 in block no. 711 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm by Mr. Sachin Dedhia an independence Cyber Crime Investigator and also Certified Ethical hacking( EC – council , USA) took the /;PPPPPHHB  session.He enlightened the students on care to be taken while using social media, ways to hide identity on the social media, He also discussed about ways in which ethical hacking can be done. Girls students attended the program.
 

Self Defence Program was organized for lady students and non-teaching lady staff of the college on Saturday, 29th February 2020 in Block 311 from 10.30 am to 11.30 am. Ms. Monika Laishram and Mr. Ranbir Singh Laishram of World Funaba Federation conducted the workshop for the students and non-teaching staff. The basic techniques of self-defence were taught to the students and non-teaching staff. 8 lady non-teaching staff and 32 lady students were benefitted from the workshop. 

Women Development Cell of the college organised 'Healthy Diet Habits session for teaching and non-teaching staff on Friday, 8th March 2019 on account of International Women's Day. Ms. Tina Balani, dietician conducted the session. She has 11 years experience in this field and gave simple tips on good diet plan which can be followed with the busy schedule of a person. She also appealed that regular exercise and diet helps in achieving radiant skin, healthy body and mind.
 

The Women Development Cell celebrated the 72nd Independence  Day by organising a skit on 'Using of toilets and menstrual hygiene' for residents of Damunagar Kandivali East. Miss Vaishali M, conveyer, Miss Vrushali Shinde, members assembled in the area at 4:00 p.m along with WDC volunteers. The volunteers performed a scripted play in which they addressed using toilets properly how menstrual hygiene is maintained. The skit was performed in 3 different area for different groups of people. The skit met with a heartiest response.

The Women Development Cell organised a programme on Self-Defence for women on Friday, 29^th September, 2017 in the college. The programme generated terrific excitement among the lady students as it was conducted by Taekwondo experts, Mr Tanaji Lohakare and Ms. Kanchan Lohakare, who literally kept participants on their toes by making them carry out power-packed self-defence techniques on the spot. Principal Dr. T. P. Madhu Nair added to the fervour by gracing the programme with their presence. Over 80 students attended the programme and made it a success. 

The Women Development Cell organised a session on grooming titled “How to be Job Ready” on Saturday, 06th January, 2018 for the students. Ms Tini Singh, Permission Co-ordinator from Proctor and Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Ltd., conducted the session in which she elaborated on the importance of grooming, personal hygiene and etiquette in work life.  She laid emphasis on the importance of looking thoroughly professional and well-groomed in interviews and encouraged the students to be uncompromising towards it in future. Topics like body language, positivity, grooming and the ABC of success were the highlights of the session, in which she combined her talk with a Power Point and a number of interesting techniques and examples that kept the students engaged.  Products for personal hygiene and grooming for lady students were also distributed for free at the end of the session.

The Women Development Cell organised an educational program on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) on Wednesday, 24th January, 2018 for the lady students in the college. Dr Kustubh Kulkarni, renowned gynecologist   briefed the audience on the causes, impact and extent of this medical condition known to affect 5 to 10 percent of women. He also spoke about the nature and  symptoms of PCOS and difficulties it creates like problems in attaining pregnancy and other health issues. He also gave effective solutions along with tips on how the ailment can be tackled with preventive measures and effective treatment.  Dr Kulkarni was joined by Ms Shweta Manjeshwar, registered dietician who elaborated on the importance and details of a healthy diet which can curb the problem.  The session, attended by 115 lady students, met with a heartening response. Ms Dhara Desai, Secretary of teh college and Principal Dr T.P. Madhu Nair also graced the program with their presence.

The Women Development Cell organised an educational program on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) on Wednesday, 24th January, 2018 for the lady students in the college. Dr Kustubh Kulkarni, renowned gynecologist   briefed the audience on the causes, impact and extent of this medical condition known to affect 5 to 10 percent of women. He also spoke about the nature and  symptoms of PCOS and difficulties it creates like problems in attaining pregnancy and other health issues. He also gave effective solutions along with tips on how the ailment can be tackled with preventive measures and effective treatment.  Dr Kulkarni was joined by Ms Shweta Manjeshwar, registered dietician who elaborated on the importance and details of a healthy diet which can curb the problem.  The session, attended by 115 lady students, met with a heartening response. Ms Dhara Desai, Secretary of teh college and Principal Dr T.P. Madhu Nair also graced the program with their presence.