Gender Sensitisation can be understood in simple terms as a modification of behavior by addressing issues of gender inequality. Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya (RKMV) is a powerhouse of gender sensitization as it is the only all girls government college of the state from where thousands of students graduated every year and carry with them a ‘mindset’ trained here.
Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya is committed to gender sensitization which is reflected in the programmes it has undertaken in the past five years. Gender sensitization is the basic requirement to understand the sensitive needs of a particular gender. It helps us to examine our personal attitude and beliefs thus questioning the realities that we thought we knew. Educational institutions instills thoughts and corrects perceptions (if need be). Education enables the development of a more democratic society which can be crucial to changing attitudes into accepting gender equality as a fundamental social value.
Our objective at RKMV on gender sensitization:
To achieve these objectives a well planned inclusive programme has been developed by the institution. As education plays the role of a catalyst in gender sensatisation issues the institution proactively works in sensitizing students in gender issues through courses and outreach programmes.
The gender sensitization plan creates awareness through lectures seminars, talks, workshops and debates. Girls are motivated to participate and enroll in NCC and NSS wings of the college as it develop strength, confidence and leadership qualities in them. To facilitate a gender sensitive environment ‘Women Grievance Cell’ also deals with cases of complaints where face to face interaction and counseling resolves issues.
This cell was setup in keeping with the UGC guidelines in the eleventh plan for development of women studies in universities and colleges. A gender sensitive environment enables girls to maximize their potential as it builds self respect, confidence and self-esteem. The institutes extension activities is designed to cater to these needs and various committees are formed and interactive sessions between staff and students is encouraged for this purpose and an open forum of dialogue and discussion is helpful in understanding and resolving issues.
Meeting and measures used for this purpose is regularly reviewed and changes made accordingly many events are organized on a regular basis for xample a lecture on domestic violence and sexual harassment by eminent lawyer Sheetal Vyas was organized on 2nd & 8th March, 2016-17 and 300 students participated in this programme and on 28th February, 2017 another lecture was organized by HP State Women’s Commission on the topic “Women’s Empowerment Activities” with 70 students participating. As the crime against women is ever on the rise, a lecture by SHO Shimla circle on the topic ‘Eve Teasing’ was held on the 2nd and 8th of March, 2016-17.
In 2018-19 a play on ‘Save the Girl Child’ and awareness of women safely was organized and ‘Gudiya Helpline No. was displayed, 555 students participated in this programme.
Continuing with this plan in 2019-20 a demonstration of self defense by ‘Chotti Guru Maa’ a one day workshop was held on 27th November 2019. 655 students participated in this workshop. A lecture was also organized on ‘Challenges of Women Safety’ on 3rd October 2020 by Dr. Luxmi Sindhu, 550 students were part of this programme.
The Institution’s plan is such that girls understand women’s issues and learn how to deal with them effectively. It is a training of minds that helps them throughout life. The dimension of gender discrimination is vast but through these awareness programmes and mentorship we find a solution by teaching them that it is alright to have problems , that we may be biologically different from boys but at the end of the day our ‘needs’ the same as our counterparts. We teach them how to address and tackle differences and complicated situation of life.
Discrimination against girls is rampant and due to fear of abuse and exploitation many women remain silent and suppressed and even as adults ‘die with a scream in their throats’. We teach them to stand up against all odds and trust their own voice. Gender sensitization programmes have instilled confidence and self-reliance in girls molding their personalities in such a way that they have emerged as strong well-rounded personalities who have stood the test of time. As such they have contributed to society in their chosen field of activity be it in the police services, sports, politics, education et al.
The Institute’s well implemented plan have given birth to many a success story. Education develops the leadership qualities in young girls, and boosts self-confidence and self esteem. It creates social awareness, health awareness and develops strong personalities. The Institute promotes teaching strategies that are reflective as well as objective. Regular feedback from colleagues and students helps to strengthen the plan filling loopholes (if any) so that work towards ‘gender mainstreaming’ is effective and an environment of gender justice is developed. Wherein the needs and competencies of women their discrimination and stereotyping is dealt with effectively which will ultimately leads to gender equality which is a basic human right. The aim is to erase atrocities of all kinds against women leading to a safer and healthier society.
The detailed plan of The Institution with the specific roadmap fulfils the requirements to achieve gender equality, its implementation is evaluated and monitored on a regular basis so that gender awareness may lead towards a more just society as equality is a fundamental facet of development, as education plays an important role in promoting en egalitarian society its role in gender sensitization can never be undermined.
