UGC Organizes Workshop for Women Leaders in Higher Education at IIT Delhi
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently hosted a one-day workshop for women leaders from higher education institutes, organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The event, held at Dogra Hall, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, aimed to empower and acknowledge the contributions of women leaders in academia.
Over 724 women leaders from across the country attended the event, including directors, deans, heads of departments, registrars, financial officers, and controllers of examinations, as stated in the official UGC release. The workshop focused on celebrating their academic and professional achievements, providing a platform for learning and networking.
Promoting Women's Leadership for a Viksit Bharat 2047
UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar underscored the vital role of women in academic leadership and its alignment with India’s global objectives. He emphasized the need to harness the intellectual potential of the country while promoting diversity of thought, gender equality, and sustainable development goals. Kumar also highlighted key initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, such as the Gender Inclusion Fund, GATI, and the Vidyanjali Programme, all aimed at fostering a gender-inclusive education system in India.
Key Discussions and Empowering Insights
The event featured a mix of academic sessions, panel discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions designed to equip participants with strategies to overcome challenges and excel in their leadership roles. Topics discussed included governance, innovation, research, human resource management, networking, and financial planning. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for the leaders to exchange best practices, build networks, and promote gender equity within academic institutions.
Acknowledging Women's Role in National Development
During the event, Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his gratitude for the participants’ involvement and stressed the importance of equity and participation as outlined in the NEP 2020. He highlighted India’s historical recognition of women's roles and emphasized government actions like providing basic services, creating bank accounts for women, and introducing the Women’s Reservation Bill. These steps are pivotal in empowering women and ensuring their active participation in shaping India’s future.
The workshop, which served as a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, is an important step toward advancing gender equality and leadership in India's higher education sector, contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.