Affiliated to University of Calcutta
Re-accredited by NAAC in 2021 with 'A' Grade (4th Cycle)
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
College with Potential for Excellence
The Women and Gender Development Cell (WGDC) is a mandated body as per Section 3.2 (15) of the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015. The WGDC of Loreto College, Kolkata aims to promote gender sensitivity, equality, and empowerment through academic programmes, research, and outreach activities. The cell seeks to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff to explore and address gender-related issues.
The Women and Gender Development Cell (WGDC) is convened by a faculty member appointed by the college administration. The members of the WGDC include the Head of the Institution, the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) Coordinator, faculty of various departments and disciplines, and student representatives.
The composition of the WGDC for the academic year 2025–26 is as follows:
| Sl.No. | Name | Role / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sr. Dr. A. Nirmala | Teacher-in-Charge |
| 2 | Dr. Amrita Dasgupta | IQAC Coordinator |
| 3 | Dr. Anindita Bandyopadhyay (Convenor) | Faculty, Department of History |
| 4 | Dr. Suparna Ghosh | Faculty, Department of History |
| 5 | Dr. Krishnokoli Hazra | Faculty, Department of History |
| 6 | Ms. Srijita Chakravarty | Faculty, Department of History |
| 7 | Dr. Sayantani Chatterjee | Faculty, Department of Psychology |
| 8 | Dr. Sanghita Sanyal | Faculty, Department of English |
| 9 | Dr. Sulagna Chattopadhyay | Faculty, Department of English |
| 10 | Arushi Ghosh | Student Representative, Semester IV |
| 11 | Debanjali Chatterjee | Student Representative, Semester IV |
| 12 | Urjaswi Dam | Student Representative, Semester II |
| 13 | Meghna Clare Dutta | Student Representative, Semester II |
WOMEN AND GENDER DEVELOPMENT CELL REPORTS
2025–2026
Alumnae Lecture Series 2 by Professor (Dr) Ritu Mathur Mitra on “Women’s Voices of Resistance and Empowerment: Khabar Lahariya”
On August 22, 2025, the Department of History, Loreto College, in collaboration with the Women and Gender Development Cell and IQAC, hosted the second session of the Alumnae Lecture Series. The invited speaker was Professor (Dr) Ritu Mathur Mitra from the Department of History, School of Social Sciences, Netaji Subhas Open University. She delivered a powerful and thought-provoking lecture on “Women's Voices of Resistance and Empowerment: Khabar Lahariya.”
The programme began with a warm welcome and a formal introduction of Professor Mitra by Dr Anindita Bandyopadhyay. A token of appreciation was presented, and in return, Professor Mitra gifted candles to the College, remarking that Loreto was the place where she had first discovered her spark as a scholar. The candles, she explained, symbolized the light of learning and empowerment that Loreto continues to nurture.
In her lecture, Professor Mitra offered a rich exploration of Khabar Lahariya, a pioneering rural, women-led news collective founded in 2002 by Meera Jatav, Shalini Joshi, and Kavita Bundelkhandi. What began as a small initiative grew into an award-winning platform that amplifies the voices of women, Dalits, and marginalized communities in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. She emphasized the uniqueness of Khabar Lahariya's grassroots approach, where women from disadvantaged backgrounds-often first-generation learners with no formal training-took up journalism to expose systemic injustice and advocate for change.
Professor Mitra recounted their struggles: resisting family pressures, defying caste prejudices, and facing political hostility, all while reporting on issues vital to their communities. Their decision to publish in regional dialects such as Bundeli, Awadhi, and Bhojpuri reflected their commitment to accessibility and authenticity, ensuring that their work remained rooted in local realities.
The lecture shed light on the wide range of issues Khabar Lahariya covers-corruption in local governance, gender-based violence, caste oppression, environmental challenges, and the everyday struggles of rural life. Unlike mainstream media, which often sidelines such concerns, their reporting brings marginalized voices to the forefront. Professor Mitra also spoke about the support provided by initiatives like the Udaan Fellowship, the recognition the collective has earned both nationally and internationally, and the acclaim generated by the documentary Writing with Fire, which brought their story to a global stage.
At the same time, she did not shy away from mentioning the challenges of representation. She explained how the women journalists themselves rejected portrayals that framed them as anti-establishment, clarifying that their mission was always rooted in truth, accountability, and justice rather than partisan politics.
The lecture concluded with a vibrant question–answer session. Students and faculty engaged with Professor Mitra on various themes, such as the distinction between women’s self-expression through Khabar Lahariya and through political organizations, the challenges of fundraising, the hostility of patriarchal structures, and their nuanced perspective on equity versus equality. She highlighted how funding posed initial challenges, but sustained support from NGOs eventually strengthened their work. Above all, she emphasized the resilience of these women, who turned journalism into a vehicle of empowerment and community transformation.
As students of history, the session was deeply enriching for us. It revealed how grassroots journalism functions as a living archive of voices that mainstream narratives often ignore. The founders and reporters of Khabar Lahariya exemplify how women from marginalized backgrounds can claim their space as storytellers, historians, and agents of social change.
The alumnae talk left us inspired. For the Women and Gender Development Cell, it was a reminder of the power of women’s collective strength and the importance of amplifying unheard voices. Khabar Lahariya shows how determination and courage can dismantle barriers of caste, class, and gender. Their journeys are not only empowering for us but also for the children in their communities, who grow up seeing that they too can “do something good.”
Orientation Programme (Deeksharambh) for Semester I Students
The Women and Gender Development Cell (WGDC) of Loreto College, Kolkata hosted an orientation programme for the freshers under the aegis of the Deeksharambh initiative on September 9, 2025. The event was designed to familiarise students with the Cell’s vision, objectives, and activities.
The session commenced with the introduction of the student representatives, who explained their roles in furthering the Cell’s growth and shaping its future vision. This was followed by the introduction of the faculty members associated with the WGDC.
Dr. Sanghita Sanyal then addressed the gathering, presenting a comprehensive overview of the WGDC’s mission to cultivate a gender-bias-free environment on campus by promoting equality, inclusivity, and mutual respect. Her address emphasised the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces for all students.
Subsequently, Dr. Anindita Bandopadhyay, Convenor of the WGDC, inspired the freshers with an engaging account of the Cell’s flagship events, including the celebrations of Pride Month and International Women’s Day. She also highlighted the WGDC’s collaborative spirit, noting its partnerships with various departments, cells, and student societies. Her insightful presentation encouraged students to actively participate and contribute meaningfully to the Cell’s initiatives.
Together We Are: Observing Human Rights Day
Understanding Gender and Sexuality through the Lived Experiences of Queer–Trans Individuals with Sappho for Equality
The Women and Gender Development Cell, in collaboration with the Equal Opportunity Cell and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Loreto College, Kolkata organised a seminar on December 10, 2025, to observe Human Rights Day. The session, titled “Understanding Gender and Sexuality through the Lived Experiences of Queer–Trans Individuals,” was conducted in collaboration with Sappho for Equality.
The speakers, Koyel Ghosh and Ankana Dey, began by sharing their personal journeys of self-identification as queer individuals. They candidly spoke about the struggles, resistance, and backlash they encountered from family members, friends, and society at large. Their narratives offered profound insight into the emotional and social challenges faced by members of the LGBTQIA++ community.
The session also included an informative overview of LGBTQIA++ terminology, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), the distinction between transgender and intersex persons, and the various forms of medical transitions that individuals may choose to undergo. Through visual representations and real-life accounts, the speakers highlighted the violence, discrimination, and trauma experienced by many due to their sexual and gender identities. They also addressed the alarming reality that some individuals, unable to withstand societal pressure, have resorted to self-harm.
Importantly, the speakers shared how several individuals have sought refuge and support from Sappho for Equality. Today, many of them live together in a safe and nurturing environment, building a community that celebrates solidarity through both joys and struggles.
The speakers emphasised the sensitivity surrounding gender issues and underscored the importance of mutual respect and empathy. The interactive session encouraged participants to move beyond rigid labels and embrace a deeper understanding of identity. It reinforced the idea that dignity stems from self-definition and community affirmation rather than imposed societal norms.
As a gesture of goodwill and continued collaboration, Sappho for Equality generously donated books on queer and trans studies to the College Library, enriching its academic resources and reaffirming its commitment to awareness and inclusion.
2024–25
Special Talk on Gender Sensitisation and Right to Safety
As part of the regular gender and safety awareness programmes conducted at Loreto College, Kolkata each semester, the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and the Gender Studies Cell, in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), organised a special talk on “Gender Sensitisation and Right to Safety,” delivered by Dr. Palak Mittal on August 2, 2024. The talk was addressed to the undergraduate students of Semester II.
Dr. Mittal gave a lucid exposition on sex and gender, explaining how gender-based discrimination becomes a systemic and validated practice that is ingrained and accepted in society. The students participated in interactive sessions and engaging discussions, during which issues such as gender-based violence and discrimination at home and in the workplace were defined and explained. Dr. Mittal also highlighted how safety and the prevention of sexual harassment could be addressed at the institutional level through the ICC, emphasising the role it plays in the prevention, protection, and redressal of any kind of abuse or threat to both women and men.
UN Orange Day Gathering
On November 25, 2024, the Semester V students of Loreto College, Kolkata attended a gathering to commemorate UN Orange Day. Organised by the Gender Studies Cell of Loreto College, Kolkata in collaboration with Soroptimist International of Calcutta, the event marked the beginning of 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The session, led by Mrs. Shukla Ghoshal, Secretary of Soroptimist International of Calcutta, commenced with the distribution of badges sent by the organisation to students and faculty members. Mrs. Ghoshal delivered a thought-provoking address, emphasising the significance of the campaign.
In a show of solidarity, students and professors wore orange attire, symbolising their support for the cause. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action against violence inflicted on women and girls.
Geraldine Forbes and Her Presentation on Researching Women’s Lives: History and Photography in Colonial India
Geraldine Forbes, a renowned scholar in the field of visual culture and memory studies from New York. On February 28, 2025, she delivered a compelling presentation on the significance of photographs as vessels of memory and tools for construction of feminist history. This event was organized by the Department of History in collaboration with Gender Studies Cell.
Forbes' presentation, titled “Researching Women's Lives: History and Photography in Colonial India” explored how photographs serve not only as artistic expressions but also as crucial tools for collective and personal memory. She emphasized that photographs capture moments in time, allowing individuals and communities to recall experiences, emotions, and historical events.
Forbes highlighted the psychological mechanisms by which photographs trigger memories. She referenced studies indicating that visual stimuli can evoke strong emotional responses, helping individuals reconnect with past experiences.
She discussed the role of nostalgia, explaining how photographs often evoke longing for the past and can strengthen personal identity.
Forbes examined how photographs interact with cultural narratives. She illustrated this with examples from various historical contexts, demonstrating how photographs can shape collective memory and influence societal perceptions.
Forbes discussed how the accessibility of photography has transformed personal and collective memory, with smartphones enabling instant capture and sharing of moments.
She raised critical questions about the implications of digital photography, particularly regarding the preservation of memories in an age of rapid consumption and disposal.
International Women’s Day 2025
Loreto College, Kolkata observed International Women’s Day on March 11, 2025 with its objective to empower women. The event was organized by the Women and Gender Development Cell in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell. The event commenced with a welcome speech by President Sanjula Shanker followed by the lighting of the lamp and an opening prayer. Sr. Dr. A. Nirmala, Teacher-in-Charge, addressed the gathering with a thought-provoking speech on women’s empowerment.
Dr Sangita Sanyal then introduced to the gathering the UN theme of International Women’s Day 2025, “Accelerate Action,” which emphasized the urgency of advancing gender equality and equal opportunities, rights, and power for all women. This was followed by the felicitation of two policewomen from the Shakespeare Sarani branch as well as the female support staff of the college. The policewomen discussed present-day harassment cases, the need for awareness on women’s rights, and the importance of self-defence training.
The highlight of the event was the Lakshmi Chatterjee Lifetime Memorial Award, which was conferred upon Ms Indrani Ghosh, an alumna of Loreto College. Ms. Srijita Chakravarty introduced Ms. Ghosh and her commendable work focused on promoting the education of children who are disadvantaged or disabled, through strong holistic support in government and municipal schools and emphasis on vocational schools. Ms. Ghosh shared her experiences with marginalized communities at the grassroots level and discussed the overall work of her institution, Anandan. Her insights deeply inspired the audience.
The final segment of the program was a special lecture on “Women’s Voices” by Ms. Shreyosi Ghosh, an artist, filmmaker, and poet working with sex workers, genocide survivors, and HIV+ individuals. Her documentary offered a qualitative understanding of gender sensitization, gender violence as a universal problem, and the journey from victim to survivor. The event was concluded by Dr. Suparna Bhattacharya with a vote of thanks.
