MATHEMATICS

The Department of Mathematics had conducted a webinar on the topic ‘Role of assertiveness in women’s empowerment’ in accordance with children’s day 2021. Anoop K K [consultant psychologist, director of Arista center for rehabilitation and psychotherapy, Perinthalmanna] was the chief guest. Shijula C V, HOD of Department of Mathematics of Ansar Women’s college, shared her short thought about the role of assertiveness in women’s empowerment and welcomed chief guest and all other members to the webinar. Later chief guest Anoop K K takes the class about the role of assertiveness in women’s empowerment. The class was like filling a questionnaire and finding answers to our life.. However, it is often suggested that Indians may not be as assertive as their Western counterparts. Indian women in particular have an image of being docile and submissive in a patriarchal society bowing down to cultural norms. Perceptions of others to one being assertive, sense of freedom after having expressed one’s emotions assertively and consequences of being assertive appeared to be major concerns in being assertive.

How to be assertive…

·        You can give an opinion or say how you feel.

·        You can ask for what you want or need.

·        You can disagree respectfully

·        You can offer your ideas and suggestions.

·        You can say no without feeling guilty.

·        You can speak up for someone else.

Exploring the perceptions and beliefs about assertiveness of women helped students to understand the barriers experienced by them in being assertive in their interactions. It could be a worthwhile effort to overcome some of these barriers and sensitize students about assertiveness and encouraging them to practice being assertive. This is essential as it would help improve the mental health of women and enable them to have more successful participation in their life roles. This would make them aware of their rights and make informed choices towards a better future. This may go a long way in supporting the cause of women empowerment. Awareness programs for assertiveness help to develop this form of communication right from the formative years for young girls. This would help boost their self-confidence and self-esteem and better prepare them to face the challenges of life.

Assertiveness is a healthy way of communicating. It's the ability to speak up for ourselves in a way that is honest and respectful. Being assertive doesn't come naturally to everyone. Some people communicate in a way that is too passive. Other people have a style that is too aggressive. An assertive style is the happy medium between these two.

And last of the session he asked the same question ‘How do we react to a teacher when she said to submit the assignment in one day?’ and the replies of the students were different from the first reply. They said ‘they will try to convince the teacher’. Later the students cleared their doubt about their personality behaviours.

The webinar was anchored by Rinsha M V, class leader of S3 Mathematics. Fathima Shahin, student of S1 mathematics, concluded the programme by saying vote of thanks.