In an effort to promote gender equality, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has called upon educational institutions to designate ‘gender champions’ for the upcoming academic year.
In its communication, the UGC stressed that these gender champions, aged 16 and above, will play a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive environment within schools, colleges, and academic settings, particularly focusing on the safety and empowerment of girls.
The responsibilities of these gender champions encompass providing guidance to their peers on integrating diverse genders into all aspects of institutional activities, including organising focused group discussions, debates, poster competitions, and more.
Additionally, they are tasked with raising awareness about essential helpline services such as police helplines, women’s helplines, and hospitals among students. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has outlined several other duties in the official notification.
Recent UGC data reveals that gender champions were appointed in universities and colleges during the 2021-22 academic year, but there is a lack of information on subsequent years. In Karnataka, which boasts the highest number of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in the country, only 11 universities and five colleges had updated information on gender champions in the 2021-22 academic session, despite its significant college density.
According to the guidelines, the selection of gender champions should involve consultation between the head of the institution and the student body. However, many institutions have not complied with this requirement. In cases where larger educational institutions exist, one or more teachers are designated as nodal teachers to support the activities of the gender champions.
From available data, only Jain (Deemed-to-be-University) has reported the appointment of 45 male and 42 female gender champions. The UGC has reiterated its call for all vice-chancellors and principals to ensure online compliance by April 29.