The University of Kashmir has secured the top spot in the ‘Academic Institutions’ category for its contributions to gender equity and promotion of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) disciplines. The accolade was awarded as part of the Gender Advancement in Transforming Institutions program piloted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with the British Council in 30 top research institutions, institutions of national importance, and academic institutions in India.
Under the program, the University of Kashmir has been committed to creating a gender-friendly environment by adopting Aphena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) principles. As part of the program, the University has created a database of gender status over the past five years in various sectors of the university, including undergraduate and graduate programs, research and postdoctoral programs, teaching and research faculty, non-teaching staff, and leadership positions across various hierarchal levels.
The University has constituted a high-level committee, GSAT (GATI Self Assessment Team), that plays a vital role in improving gender progression and promotion in line with the requirements of the program. Prof Nilofer Khan, the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University, has approved several key action plans to be implemented during the current phase of the program.
Prof Rabia Hamid, Head of the Department of Nanotechnology, KU, is the Nodal officer of the program. Recently, she represented the University as part of a national delegation led by DST’s WISE KIRAN Division head, Dr. Nisha Mendiratta, on an invited visit by the British Council to UK Higher education and research institutions for knowledge exchange between GATI participant members and Athena Swan UK members.
The GATI Achievers award has been a significant milestone for the University. The University of Kashmir is actively engaged in several activities related to gender equity and inclusivity in educational institutions, as envisioned by the National Education Policy 2020 and India’s G-20 Presidency. The University will play a crucial role in promoting gender equity in areas of research and development, not only at the national but international level as well, with the GATI Achievers award.
