Workshop on Gender Sensitization Organised at IIT Indore

On October 29, 2025, a two-day workshop titled “Promoting Understanding and Respect: Gender Sensitization” was held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore. This event was conducted in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women, under the Department of Women and Child Development, District Indore. The workshop aimed to enhance awareness, inclusivity, and sensitivity towards gender issues among students, faculty, and staff members.

Inaugural Session

The inaugural session of the workshop featured several distinguished guests, including:

• Suresh Tomar, Member Secretary, Madhya Pradesh State Women’s Commission, Bhopal (Chief Guest)
• Dr. Suhash Joshi, Director, IIT Indore
• Rajnish Sinha, District Programme Officer, Indore
• Dr. Vanchana Singh Parihar, Administrator
• Advocate Bhavana Tripathi, Bhopal

Welcome Address

Prof. Dr. Kiran Bala, In-charge of the Women Cell at IIT Indore, delivered the welcome address. She emphasized the necessity of collective efforts in creating gender-equitable spaces within educational institutions. Her remarks set a positive tone for the discussions that followed.

Keynote Speeches

Dr. Suhash Joshi, in his inaugural remarks, highlighted the importance of gender sensitivity as an institutional value, reinforcing the commitment of IIT Indore to fostering an inclusive environment.

Suresh Tomar addressed the audience on the topic of “Patriarchal Society and Gender Sensitivity,” providing insights into the societal structures that perpetuate gender biases. Rajnish Sinha followed with a session on the “Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act and SHE Box,” which focused on legal frameworks designed to protect women’s rights in professional settings.

Dr. Vanchana Singh Parihar discussed the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and various government schemes aimed at empowering women. This session was particularly informative, shedding light on the legal avenues available for women seeking justice and support.

Interactive Sessions

The second day of the workshop featured interactive sessions led by Advocate Bhavana Tripathi, who focused on women’s rights and relevant laws. These sessions encouraged active participation from a diverse group of attendees, including:

• Non-teaching and housekeeping staff
• Security personnel
• PhD scholars
• Faculty members
• Students

The discussions were designed to foster a deeper understanding of gender issues and the legal protections available to women, promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Conclusion of the Workshop

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by S.P. Hota, Registrar of IIT Indore. Apeksha Rajpurohit conducted the proceedings, ensuring that the event ran smoothly. The program was facilitated by Professor Dr. Preeti Sharma, who played a pivotal role in organizing the event.

Impact of the Workshop

The two-day workshop provided participants with valuable insights into gender concepts, relevant laws, and government initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality. It contributed significantly to creating a more inclusive and respectful institutional environment at IIT Indore.

Through such initiatives, IIT Indore continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a culture of gender sensitivity and respect, aligning with broader societal goals of equality and empowerment.

Note: This article is based on a workshop held at IIT Indore aimed at promoting gender sensitization and awareness among its community members.