Women Empowerment Cell (COWA)

Post Graduate master programe (M.Arch) in Architecture education. This is a course which is designed not only to mould good teachers of Architecture in Academics but also to add a broader analogical vision to Architecture Practice. With more than 43 Alumni in this Program, the institution felt an urge to address an issue which is very relevant in today’s context considering that the percentage of girls opting for Architecture at Under Graduate level is 40-45% and those carrying it further as a career is only 10-12%.

COWA- is an extended activity of M.Arch. This center is a platform for all female architects to deliberate their issues of professional practice. The main aim is to bring in those ladies who are not practicing architecture, to main stream. Also we are promoting allied services to architecture, for ladies, to remain connected to profession during their difficult time of handling home and practice.

It is observed that almost ten years of time after graduation is given to family and children by most of lady Architects. Time constraints and continuity in profession are the biggest challenges faced by women. Hence, as an extension activity of the Master’s Program, COWA come in existence. It has been established as a guidance center to deal with the issues faced by women architects also as a platform to deliberate on issues performing to them. The issued need to resolved by all.

Alumni/COWA Committee

COWA –with grandeur by renowned architect, women’s right campaigner and conservationist Ar. Brinda Somaya in the presence of Ar. S Deshpande, Dr  Chakradeo, Principal of Smt. Manoramabai Mundle College of Architecture and a host of dignitaries At Hotel Radisson Blue held on 10^th January, 2015

A website of COWA was also introduced by her, which is aimed at generating jobs for all young professionals.

Ar Somaya emphasized on the importance of architects in building an inclusive society and contribution of women architects to the profession. She praised the efforts of the institute to initiate a platform for women architects to help them to keep themselves updated with the latest in profession and help them find avenues of earning even if they choose to work from home. Ar Somaya talked about the importance to create awareness in the society about conservation of the rich cultural monuments in their surroundings and come forward to take small steps in maintaining it. In the race to construct urban smart cities copying the west, she urged the urban planners to take an approach suitable to our culture and not simply ape the western style. She emphasized on the need to integrate contemporary designs with adoption of appropriate conservation style and active involvement of community in conservation and protection of our heritage buildings.

Dr Chakradeo, Principal of the college welcomed the alumni gathered from all over the world and urged them to contribute to the work taken up by COWA. Dr Chakradeo brought out the importance of networking in the profession and the platform provided by COWA to all women architects who find themselves isolated after giving up active practice. She promised to take the work of the forum on international level and reach maximum number of women architects.

The program was conducted by Prof. Vidya Singh, Coordinator of COWA.