Setting the Stage for Empowering Young Women Towards Public Policy & Governance as the Second Edition of AIU’s National Women Student Parliament Continues at Parul University

Paving the way for women empowerment and girl child development, the Association of Indian Universities AIU’s National Women Student Parliament was successfully held at Parul University’s Vadodara campus once again creating a buzz in the city and the State of Gujarat regarding the value of inclusivity. The second AIU national women's student parliament is an initiative aimed at providing a platform for female students to engage in discussions, debates, and activities related to leadership, parliamentary rights, and women empowerment. 

As a highlight of this year’s gathering, prominent personalities such as Mrs. Ankita Patil Thackeray, President, Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha, Pune District, Member - Zilla Parishad Pune & Indian Sugar Mills Association, ISEC, Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Padma Vibhushan Awardee, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. As the highlight of the platform, the first and second days of the parliamentary competition sessions saw students diving and exploring topics and concepts of vital national and political significance.

The Women's Student Parliament is designed to promote democratic values, leadership skills, and civic engagement among students by providing a platform for the growth and development of women in their youth tapping into their potential and strength through the National Women's Student Parliament. The parliamentary debates featured multiple debating rounds from preliminary rounds to the second, third, and fourth rounds, covering some of the most pressing issues and significant matters of legislation. A total of 34 Universities from across India were in participation for this year’s parliamentary proceedings. A total of 102 women representing various States across the country participated in the event, further enhancing its objective of delivering the highest form of equality and diversity in matters of governance and national leadership. 

During her remarks, Mrs. Ankita Patil Thackeray, one of the event’s prominent personalities, as a part of her remarks shared that “It’s is indeed challenging in the social sector as a woman and that is why being so well aware about the government policies is an important aspect. We see max women participating, indeed it is a time for all the women to come together and shine.”

“We are living in a much-globalized world, we are heading towards becoming a superpower, toward a much brighter India and women have to be involved in this process. We are important factors for implementing this change,” she added. As a part of the event proceedings, the student participants debated on topics such as the Women's Reservation Bill on the first day of the rounds, and topics of the National Education Policy on the second round along with topics on the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill on the third round. In uncovering these topics, the women Parliamentarians effectively presented their arguments and their resolutions which they proposed paving the way for reformation. 

Parul University throughout its academic initiatives has been furthering the scope of inclusivity of women by focusing on promoting platforms such as these focusing on the empowerment of the girl-child in the creation of such opportunities. “It is truly a matter of great honor and privilege to be the host University for such a prominent initiative by the Association of Indian Universities, AIU. The empowerment of women is a matter that demands great attention particularly in regards to their inclusion in matters of public office and governance. I believe this platform has provided the much-needed exposure as well as motivation to all the participating students which will further ignite and align their careers in these domains” said the University; Vice President, Dr. Parul Patel.