Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Liberal Education presents
"Thinking Beyond 'Isms': Potential and Limitations of Legislation as an Instrument of Social Reform"
- A Talk by Prof. Madhu Kishwar

In this talk, Prof. Madhu Kishwar will analyse reasons for one of the biggest challenges of our times, namely the alarming gap between what "progressive" legislation promises and its actual performance. Prof. Kishwar will focus on certain laws enacted under pressure from feminist lobbies with the ostensible purpose of strengthening "women's rights".

Madhu Purnima Kishwar, renowned academic and writer, is Professor at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies and Director of Indic Studies Project (CSDS). She is also the founder editor of the journal, Manushi, started in 1978. The Journal endeavored to promote informed activism through research-based writing and to critique on various issues in a manner that integrates women’s rights and concerns in each and every aspect of our national life. Prof. Kishwar’s professional academic work at CSDS and for MANUSHI are aimed at finding effective solutions for the economic, political and social problems confronting us in India today through patient study, non-partisan approach, live interaction with the concerned people and informed activism. She has published several books and research papers on various issues of law, gender justice and minority rights. Prof. Kishwar has worked actively with the communities, minority groups, stakeholders and government organizations towards finding consensual solutions to conflicting issues such as religious conversions, state of our sacred rivers, honour killings and personal laws vs uniform civil code.