Gender Equality
Achieving gender equality is central to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which aims to empower all women and girls and eliminate gender disparities in every sphere of society. BML Munjal University (BMU) is dedicated to these ideals, fostering an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment that actively promotes gender equality. Through policies, initiatives, and student-led clubs, BMU implements strategies to shape gender-equitable mindsets among students, staff, and faculty, addressing both social factors and structural gaps that hinder equality.
Student Leadership in Gender Equality:
Gender Champions and Advocacy: BMU appoints two students as Gender Champions every two years to promote gender equality across campus. These Gender Champions lead discussions, poster competitions, and awareness campaigns and serve as peer guides in fostering equitable attitudes. Additionally, they help identify any gaps in inclusivity within student activities and make recommendations to the university to address these issues, ensuring gender-sensitive practices across all areas.
Workshops and Sensitization Programs: Through its Wellness Centre, BMU holds regular sensitization workshops for students, faculty, and staff, addressing gender biases and promoting a respectful community. These workshops are essential in building an inclusive culture and ensuring that all members of the BMU community are well-informed about the importance of gender equality.
Empowering Female Leadership and Student Representation
Encouragement of Female Student Leadership: BMU actively encourages female students to lead clubs, committees, and even the Student Council Executive Committee (SCEC). By promoting leadership roles for women, BMU helps build a generation of confident, capable female leaders. For instance, the student-led SAVERA club (Students as Volunteers in Education to Reach and Assist) focuses on the empowerment of underprivileged children, particularly girls, and works to provide educational support to over 120 children from nearby communities.
Academic Affairs Secretary
Support through Hamari Pari Scholarship: To further promote educational access for women, BMU offers the Hamari Pari Scholarship to support underprivileged female students. In the past five years, this initiative has benefited nearly 30 female students, making education accessible for those who might not have otherwise had the opportunity. This scholarship is a key part of BMU’s commitment to SDG 5, removing financial obstacles and enabling young women to achieve their educational and career goals.
Hamari Pari Scholarship Details
Hamari Pari Scholarship Recipients
Women in Leadership Certification Program: To foster professional empowerment, BMU conducts an annual Women in Leadership certification program, equipping women with essential leadership skills. This initiative has gained significant traction within and beyond BMU, nurturing leadership qualities that enable women to excel in the workplace and beyond.
WIL Program in Institutional Website
Safe and Inclusive Campus Facilities:
Dedicated Hostels and Safety Provisions: BMU prioritizes safety for female students through dedicated hostels, managed by female wardens and caretakers, with round-the-clock security provided by female guards. CCTV cameras on every floor are monitored solely by female staff to maintain privacy, and men are not permitted entry except in emergencies. The hostels also feature common rooms equipped with recreational amenities and sanitary facilities, such as sanitary napkin dispensers and incinerators.
On-Campus Counselling and Family Support: A female counselor is available to support students needing special guidance, and a creche facility for children of faculty and staff ensures a work-life balance for women employees. These provisions contribute to an empowering environment where female students and staff can focus on their academic and professional growth without compromising on safety and well-being.
Geotagged Photographs of Facilities for Women
Institutional Support Against Harassment:
Committee Against Sexual Harassment: BMU has established a robust Committee Against Sexual Harassment, providing students and staff with a secure and confidential means of addressing concerns. This committee is a cornerstone of BMU’s commitment to a harassment-free environment, where everyone is encouraged to report issues without fear, supporting the safety and dignity of all campus members.
Policy Against Sexual Harassment on Institutional Website
Internal Complaints Committee on Institutional Website
Civic Responsibility and Constitutional Values:
Promoting Ethical Leadership and Responsible Citizenship: BMU emphasizes the importance of civic duties and ethical leadership, embedding these values in its policies and orientation programs. Through initiatives like Constitution Day and the Code of Conduct, students are encouraged to respect the principles of the Indian Constitution and become responsible citizens.
Student Clubs and Events for Social Awareness: BMU’s student clubs, including Sierra Club, LiQuiD Club, and Udaan, serve as platforms for students to explore civic values and social issues. Events like Constitution Day debates, Model UN simulations, and workshops on parliamentary procedures foster a spirit of inquiry and democratic engagement. Additionally, the Udaan Club organizes events promoting LGBTQ+ rights, anti-racism initiatives, and celebrations of Women’s Day, encouraging students to advocate for equality and justice.
Workshop on “Empowering Diversity: An Empirical Exploration of Queer Entrepreneurship in India,”
Sample list of Gender Sensitization Activities
Policies for an Inclusive Campus:
Comprehensive Policy Framework: BMU’s policies encompass gender equity, anti-ragging, academic integrity, and student conduct, creating a campus culture grounded in inclusivity and respect. These policies are supported by a well-defined grievance mechanism, ensuring that students have a transparent process for addressing concerns. The university’s orientation programs emphasize the duties of responsible citizenship, aligning students with BMU’s institutional values.
Commitment to SDG 5 and Lasting Impact:
Through its gender-focused policies, leadership programs, and supportive campus culture, BMU demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5. The university’s multifaceted approach to gender equality extends beyond campus boundaries, nurturing ethical leaders who will contribute to a more inclusive and just society. BMU’s dedication to creating an environment where all students can thrive, regardless of gender, serves as a model for academic institutions striving to make a lasting impact on gender equality and social responsibility.