The Research Development Cell (RDC) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised one-day National Conference on ‘Women Empowerment for a Sustainable Future’ on January 14, 2026 at the university campus.

The conference addressed the pertinent issues related to gender equality and women empowerment in line with the sustainable development.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural address. He said, “The conference aims to tackle some of the pertinent issues relating to gender equality and women empowerment keeping in mind the Goal 5 of the sustainable development.”

Father Felix Raj further added that structural impediments to gender equality exist and gender-based discrimination persists, inspite of the efforts by the government, democratic institutions and other key stakeholders.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kiran Bedi, the Lt Governor of Puducherry. She was also the first woman Indian Police Service Officer. Dr. Bedi stressed the concept and the relations between empowering women and sustainable development.

A total number of 67 participants participated in the conference from across the country. This was the second national conference, organised by RDC, SXUK.

Dr. Mononita Kundu Das
Professor, Xavier Law School
Direrctor, RDC