UNFPA Establishes Gender Resource Centre at CNLU Patna
UNFPA partners with CNLU Patna to establish a Gender Resource Centre, aiming to bridge gaps in gender justice—scroll down to read more.
Patna, 27 February 2025 - In a significant step towards gender justice, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has partnered with Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, to establish a dedicated Gender Resource Centre (GRC).
A Historic Move Towards Gender Justice
In a landmark decision, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has established a Gender Resource Centre (GRC) at Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna. To support the Centre’s activities, UNFPA has pledged a financial contribution of approximately Rs. 50 lakhs.
MoU Signed to Formalize Partnership
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on February 27, 2025, between Ms. Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA Representative for India and Country Director for Bhutan, and Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice-Chancellor of CNLU. This agreement marks the culmination of discussions between the two institutions, focusing on the Centre’s objectives and operational framework.
Focus Areas of the Gender Resource Centre
The newly established Centre will undertake evidence-based research on gender, law, and policy. It aims to bring together advocates, academicians, researchers, and civil society activists to address gender-related issues. The Centre will also serve as a hub for advocacy, public engagement, and policy recommendations to bridge existing gaps in gender justice.
UNFPA’s Vision for the Centre
Speaking at the inauguration, Ms. Andrea M. Wojnar highlighted the deep-rooted gender inequalities in India and the gaps in the implementation of government policies. She emphasized that various religious myths contribute to the violation of women’s rights. Bihar, she noted, has yet to fully harness the power of evidence-based public advocacy, and she expressed hope that the GRC at CNLU would play a crucial role in changing the situation on the ground through research and dissemination efforts.
Strengthening Capacity to Combat Gender-Based Violence
Dr. Deepa Prasad, Chief of Programmes and Technical Support at UNFPA, outlined the Centre’s role in capacity-building initiatives aimed at preventing gender-based violence. He stressed the importance of specialized courses and training programs to equip resource persons with the necessary skills to address gender issues effectively.
Call for a Shift in Legal Education
During his presidential address, Prof. Faizan Mustafa traced gender inequality to entrenched patriarchal traditions. Expressing concern over the rising incidents of sexual violence in India, he criticized the differential societal responses to rape cases based on the state, victim, and accused. He lamented that law schools today prioritize subjects like artificial intelligence law, cyber law, intellectual property rights, and taxation law over gender and law. He further emphasized that mere legal reforms, such as the Uniform Civil Code, will not bring substantial change unless societal attitudes and patriarchal mindsets that consider women inferior are transformed.
A Step Towards Meaningful Change
The establishment of the Gender Resource Centre at CNLU marks a significant step towards achieving gender justice through research, advocacy, and capacity building. With the support of UNFPA, the Centre is expected to play a pivotal role in influencing policy reforms and addressing the persisting challenges of gender-based violence and discrimination.
