DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN STUDIES FIRST FLOOR HUMANITIES BLOCK MAGADH UNIVERSITY BODH GAYA – 824234 (BIHAR)

DIRECTOR’S CONTACT DETAILS Dr. Nibha Singh Professor & Head P.G. Dept. of English & Research Centre Director Dept. of Women’s Studies Magadh University, Bodh-Gaya (Bihar) MOB.: 9431085380 E-MAIL.: singhnibha63@gmail.com

HISTORY The Department of Women Education, now in the name of Department of Women’s Studies, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya was established in the year 2008. It emerged as a pioneering body in the field of Gender Studies and Gender Research in Bihar. It was, then, the 13th University in India to offer specialized courses in Women Studies at various levels – P.G. Diploma, M.A. & Ph.D. The Department has had an eventful journey in a span of 10 years running under Self-financing Scheme.

HISTORY The Department has infrastructure in collaboration with the Humanities Building of the University. It is running on a sharing basis with the Dept. of Philosophy, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya. It is still running in the Self-financing Scheme. But a separate building for the Department is under construction.

HISTORY The pioneer Director of the Department was Dr. Kusum Kumari, former Head, Dept. of Philosophy & Dean, Faculty of Humanities, M.U., Bodh Gaya & is presently the Pro Vice Chancellor, Munger University, Munger, Bihar. She was a renowned feminist and humanitarian, specialized in Dalit Studies & Gender Studies. Under her leadership the Department became a premier and one of its own kind in the state of Bihar.

HISTORY Presently myself Dr. Nibha Singh, University Professor, P.G. Dept. of English & Research Centre, M.U. Bodh Gaya, is the Director. I joined the Dept. as its Director on 20th January, 2018 as its Director. In my career of 30 years I have been lecturing and tutoring to Post-Graduate and Undergraduate students, and have also delivered Specialized Lectures at various fora.

HISTORY I have participated in several National and International Seminars, Conferences and Symposiums presented Papers therein and chaired Academic sessions. I have completed one Project duly sponsored by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. I am one of the members of the Editorial Board of research journal The Interiors and am credited with a number of essays and books, including Emily Bronte: The Archetypes and Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay (in Maithili). I am currently engaged in promotion of women on Indian Writing in English and Women Empowerment.

HISTORY I am assisted by Kumari Deepa Rani, Assistant Professor, University Department of Economics, appointed as Assistant Director of the Department.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES Introduces a basic foundation course encompassing new gender perspectives in all faculties. Examines the impact of political, social and economic systems on women. Draws attention to the special needs of women in the marginalised sections of the society and uncovers discrimination against women. Collaborates with empowered women, NGOs and other social organisations serving at the issues.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES Mobilizes women’s opinion and action on critical, social and economic issues. Sensitizes students on the fact that feminism is not anti-men or against men, but that maintaining a delicate balance between the genders which cannot be achieved without the cooperation in reciprocal mode.

MAJOR THRUST AREAS Feminism and Feminist Theories Women Status in India Women Food and Nutrition Women and Education Women and Entrepreneurship Early Childhood Care and Creche Management Women and Law Women and Media

MAJOR THRUST AREAS Women and Religion Women and Human Rights Women Guidance and Counselling Women Health Status and Reproductive Health Women and Development Women and Environment Women and Empowerment Research Methodology in Women’s Studies Computer Applications in Women’s Studies

PUBLICATION Eight volumes of a journal named STREE (ISSN-0976-0725) have been published in the last 10 years and the ninth volume is in process.

STREE Volume – 1 to 4

STREE Volume – 5 to 8

Glimpses of Different Activities Organized by the Department

BELIEF IN OUR CONFIDENCE We have quest to excel as an individual unit. We have commitment to excel as a team.

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