POLICY ON GENDER EQUITY
1. ABOUT THE POLICY
Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) are not mere places of employment but these are remarkable and dynamic spaces where students come for learning and training for their professional journey as well as for social skills. Constitution of India empowers the state to take up far reaching and impactful measures to empower women. In alignment with the National Policy for Empowerment of women (2001) and SAKSHAM guidelines of UGC New Delhi (Measures for Ensuring the Safety of Women and Programmes for Gender Sensitization on Campuses); A.S. College, Khanna has strived to nurture a stand of zero tolerance towards all forms of gender discrimination and to curb gender stereotypes.
2. VISION
To “Stop Discrimination for a Better Nation” and to achieve the desired outcome of “Diversity, Equality and Inclusion”.
3. MISSION
- to motivate women’s participation
- to create a safe, gender neutral atmosphere
- to steer the process of policy development, procedures & practices that will serve to ascertain the equal rights & opportunities for all irrespective of gender
- to create a balanced workplace and educational environment
4. OBJECTIVES
- To create a positive environment for women to enable them to realise their full potential.
- To eliminate of discrimination against women in the institution.
- To work in tandem with local community for creating awareness about gender goals and equity for the larger benefit of society.
- To create a gender sensitive environment for males, females and third genders.
- To evolve mechanisms for the prevention and redressal of gender-based violence and discrimination, including sexual and mental harassment in the institution.
- To ensure the implementation of this policy in letter and spirit
- Integrating the gender related concerns into policies and programmes so that they are reflected in the day to day functioning of college.
5. STRATEGIES AND ACTION PLANS
The following Strategies, Action plan and Annual Gender Sensitization Plan are being mooted so as to fulfill our commitment towards equality, justice, human dignity and fairness.
- Special Facilities for Women
(i) Counselling: Regular faculty can counsel the affected students to allay their feelings of isolation, alienation, confusion etc.
(ii) Security and Safety: Deployment of security personal at entry points is ensured. The staff members carry out proctorial duties in respective blocks to keep a check on unwanted activities.
The institution would constitute following committees
- Discipline Committee
- Anti-Ragging Committee
- Special Cell for Redressal of Women Complaints of Harassment (Both Mental & Sexual)
(iii) Toilets and related facilities: Providing adequate women's toilets through the different parts of campus is a necessity for women staff and students to make them feel comfortable and safe.
Adopting a sensitive approach to provide congenial environment for girls, a Sanitary Napkin Vending Machine has been installed in Girls Common Room.
(iv) Girls' Exclusive Areas: Certain areas are demarcated which are only meant for girls. These include
- Girls only lawns
- Separate parking sheds for girls
- Separate seating areas for girls during annual athletic meet
- Separate reading room for girls
- Separate canteen area for girls
B) Annual Gender Sensitization Action Plan
A.S. College annually ensures the following through its faculty, staff and student programs:
- Conducting workshops that enhance diversity and gender-sensitive communication for students and staff.
- Supporting multidimensional representations of women and men
- Appointing a guiding member on the campus who can be contacted by staff and students for situations related to communications that are gender related.
- Enhancing such communications which are unprejudiced with regard to gender equality
- Organising activities that create awareness among staff members and students
- Faculty members are encouraged to promote fair participation for leadership roles, creating gender balance in team events wherever possible
- Sensitising the students and employees about the National Policies on gender equity, prevention of harassment.
- Bringing into spotlight the achievements of women while admission campaigns and promotional activities are underway.
- Encourage students to meet faculty, for counseling and to discuss gender related concerns
- Promoting balanced gender share in employing committees
- The code of conduct meant for students promotes gender equality at the various levels.
6. MONITORING AUTHORITY
Following Committees have been constituted to meet the objectives of this policy:
- Anti Sexual Harassment Committee under Sexual Harassment of Women at workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, Redressal) Act, 2013
- Women Empowerment Cell
- Gender Champions
