Sixth Indian Social Work Congress
The Indian Social Work Congress, forms the most important event in the annual calendar for all social work educators, practitioners, students and research scholars. The Sixth Congress was organized by the Department of Social Work in collaboration with the National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI) from 1st to 3rd November, 2018. A total of 430 delegates and 30 resource persons participated. The Congress played a meaningful and much needed role in providing space for dialogue among the social work fraternity on a number of issues and concerns critical to social work education and practice. The theme of 6th ISWC 2018 was Human Development and Social Inclusion: Imperatives for Social Work Education and Practice. The forum held deliberations on the multiple issues of exclusion of the vulnerable and disenfranchised constituencies, with focus on the newer forms of marginalization that are emerging in the present context. The Congress also made a notable contribution by felicitating eminent social workers by honoring them with NAPSWI Awards. Late Dr. Martha Farrell was felicitated with Lifetime Achievement Award
Centre for Community Development and Action
The Centre for Community Development and Action (CCDA), earlier known as Gram Mahila Kendra is an extension and demonstration unit of the Department. The Centre which started in 1957 in Alipur, Samaipur block, initiated its activities in the village Burari in the year 1988, with a focus on universal elementary and non-formal education, health and skill training programmes. Over the years, the Unit has shifted its base to cover various areas in Burari spreading. Presently, through its programmes, the Centre caters to children and adolescents besides focussing on initiatives for the empowerment of the women of the community. The main thrust of the Centre is well being of the people which it aims to achieve through community participation. The Centre follows a participatory, rights-based approach to community development and community empowerment.
Project Sakhi Saheli
It is an initiative by students of the Department of Social Work, University of Delhi to promote healthier, economical, and more environmental friendly way of managing menstruation among women and young girls in marginalized communities through awareness generation and sensitization. Firmly addressing and believing in combating period poverty in the country, the team is working with a goal line to provide biodegradable menstrual hygiene sanitary pads through locally trained community women called Sakhi-Sahelis (micro-entrepreneurs). The model runs on the philosophy of “by the women, for the women, to the women”. The uniqueness of the project lies in the fact that it goes beyond knowledge building and dissemination, dealing not just with hygiene but with every aspect of menstruation. Addressing stigma around menstruation and empowering women through employability is another goal of the project. Women are identified and trained to prepare and sell biodegradable sanitary napkins at subsidized rates to women in their respective communities. The project aims at gradually training these women to become micro entrepreneurs. The project is currently being implemented in six communities
North East Day 2019
The Department has been celebrating The North East Day for the last three years. This special day is observed to celebrate the spirit of the North-East and to highlight the culture of people in the region and to create awareness on its integratedness within the country. On this day academic discussions are organised on issues, potentialities, strengths and constraints of the region. The theme for the North East Day 2019 year was “Tales of Pluralism”.