SIB conducted a gender sensitisation programme for 35 to 40 nurses, doctors and support staff at Dr Rudrappa’s clinic, Richmond Road to commemorate the World Mental Health Day (October 10). On October 17, at 2.30 pm, counselling was conducted at Rudrappa Hospital by Anuradha Pradeep (Senior Advocate) and Anita R Belagodu (Counselor and Psychologist).
The programme aimed to spread awareness, change mindsets, transform attitudes and create beliefs in building sustainable lifestyles. Most of the women staff members are caregivers to patients, so they were given talks on role expectation, seniority, power imbalance and gender hierarchy.
Anuradha spoke about cultural bias, the patriarchal system and some of the unjust social practices, as well as countering them with meaningful empowerment. Anita touched on developing empathy, expressing emotions through journaling, mindfulness, transference, providing equal opportunities for all and creating equitable societies without burdening some.
She gave tips through quotes, guidelines and poems, creating a vibrant space for self-expression.
On October 18, SIB, in collaboration with Rotary International, took a session on Parenting and Anger Management at Tunbridge High School.