‘Gender Champions’ to ensure sensitisation and equality in educational campuses: UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has requested all universities and their affiliated colleges to make sure of the early nomination of ‘Gender Champions’ amongst students who would lead efforts to make campuses more inclusive and disseminate gender sensitisation. Further, in this regard, higher educational institutions have been asked to fill online compliance details as well.

In a letter to vice-chancellors and college principals, UGC Secretary Rajnish Jain said, “To increase the outreach for creating an environment that fosters equal treatment, the government envisages Gender Champions in all educational institutions across the country as responsible leaders.”

He informed that ‘Gender Champions’ can be both boys and girls over the age of 16 who will create an enabling atmosphere in their schools, colleges, and academic institutions. They will mainstream gender equality via group discussions, poster competitions and debates, find and address gender gaps in classrooms and organise awareness programmes like workshops and films, as per guidelines.

Additionally, ‘Gender Champions’ are also expected to publicise women helpline numbers, police, and hospital helplines throughout institutes and conduct exposure visits to villages, blocks, districts, and cities to facilitate knowledge about gender equality.