GENDER POLICY
City College Jayanagar is committed to fostering an environment of gender equality, gender justice, and non-discrimination. As a progressive educational institution, the college aims to build awareness and educate students about gender issues, empowering them to bring about social change in their professional and personal lives.
1. Historical Context and Social Responsibility:
- City College Jayanagar has been co-educational from its inception, reflecting the progressive attitude of providing equal opportunities for both men and women in higher education.
- With students from diverse backgrounds, the college is committed to raising awareness about gender oppression and discrimination prevalent in society.
- The college integrates gender sensitivity into its curriculum, using methods such as guest lectures, discussions, films, and community-based projects to educate students about gender issues.
2. Vision and Purpose:
- The primary purpose of the Gender Policy is to establish a clear framework for creating and implementing policies, practices, and procedures that promote gender equality, gender justice, and fundamental human rights.
- The policy aims to challenge and mitigate gender-based disparities and discrimination in all aspects of student and professional life.
- The first and foremost principle the policy seeks to address is the right to be born and counter female foeticide. In accordance with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994, sex determination is illegal, and students are educated about this law to spread awareness in their communities.
3. Gender Mainstreaming:
- Gender Mainstreaming is promoted as a core strategy to improve the quality of public policies and ensure socially sustainable development.
- Examples include:
- Reservation quotas for women on government boards, committees, and panels.
- Property rights, inheritance, and ownership for women are emphasized, empowering them to secure financial and legal independence.
4. Gender Sensitive Language:
- The college advocates for the use of gender-sensitive language in all forms of communication. This ensures that both men and women are equally represented and visible in official documents, textbooks, and public materials.
- The policy mandates the removal of derogatory or objectifying references to women from legal instruments and public documents to preserve dignity and respect.
5. Safety at Work, Home, and College:
- City College Jayanagar has established Grievance and Anti-Sexual Harassment Cells on campus. These cells handle complaints of harassment, discrimination, and violence with confidentiality and seriousness.
- Students and faculty are also educated about domestic violence and the legal consequences for perpetrators under the Domestic Violence Act, providing information about penal punishments and legal remedies.
6. Health, Nutrition, and Well-being:
- The college promotes health awareness by providing guidance on topics such as balanced diets, exercise, mental health, and stress management.
- Regular health check-ups, counseling services, and wellness programs are organized to support the physical and emotional well-being of students and staff.
- Menstrual health, hygiene, and awareness programs are conducted to ensure that female students have access to the necessary knowledge and resources.
7. Parental Leave and Family Support:
- The college advocates for Parental Leave Provisions (maternity and paternity) to allow both parents to participate in childcare equally.
- Awareness programs are conducted on the importance of reducing the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) as outlined in the National Population Policy of 2000.
8. Addressing Gender Representation in Media and Online Spaces:
- City College Jayanagar educates its students on the depiction and objectification of women in social media and advertising. Workshops and seminars are conducted on how to challenge and address gender stereotypes.
- The college provides training on identifying and handling online stalking, cyberbullying, and harassment to ensure students are safe in digital spaces.
9. Promotion of Gender Equality through Extracurricular Activities:
- The college ensures that gender equality is promoted through its extracurricular activities, encouraging equal participation of both genders in sports, cultural programs, and leadership initiatives.
- Debates, forums, and gender studies clubs are organized to foster discussions on gender equality and to encourage students to voice their opinions and experiences.
10. Counseling and Support Services:
- The college provides counseling services for students experiencing gender-based discrimination, harassment, or stress related to societal pressures.
- Confidential counseling sessions and peer support groups are available to help students navigate personal and academic challenges.
11. Community Engagement and Outreach:
- The college emphasizes community outreach programs to address gender issues beyond the campus. Students are encouraged to participate in awareness campaigns, volunteering activities, and social impact projects aimed at improving gender equality in local communities.
City College Jayanagar’s Gender Policy strives to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all students and faculty, empowering them to challenge societal norms and contribute to a more just and gender-equal society.