The Department of Library and Information Science, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut organised a guest lecture on “ Gender Sensitization in Academic Institutions Building an Inclusive and Respectful Environment “ on 23.03.2026 with the overarching aim of cultivating meaningful awareness about gender sensitization among students in educational settings. The programme sought to foster an inclusive, respectful, and dignified academic environment by encouraging participants to develop an empathetic understanding of gender equality and the rights associated with it. Additionally, the lecture endeavoured to equip students with substantive knowledge of the social and legal dimensions of gender-related issues, and to inspire them to assume their responsibilities as conscientious and informed citizens.
The event was graced by Dr. Reena Bishnoi, Dean, Faculty of Law, who delivered the keynote address. In her comprehensive and thought-provoking lecture, She articulated that gender sensitization is not merely an academic concept but a fundamental social imperative that serves as the cornerstone of equality, respect, and inclusivity within educational institutions. She underscored the critical need for institutions to direct sustained attention towards awareness programmes, evidence-based policy formulation, and behavioural transformation to ensure the realisation of gender equality in practice. Dr. Bishnoi further emphasised that the creation of a positive and safe educational environment is contingent upon every individual embracing sensitivity, respect, and equitable conduct towards one another. She also shed light on the significance of awareness pertaining to the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) legislation and its practical implications in the workplace and institutional context.
Dr. Sudhir Tyagi, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, further reinforced the discourse by affirming that gender sensitization in educational institutions is of paramount importance, not only because it contributes to the holistic personality development of students, but also because it plays an indispensable role in cultivating a safe, inclusive, and dignified academic milieu. He observed that such lectures serve as vital instruments in raising students’ awareness of gender equality and in nurturing their sense of social responsibility. The programme was attended by Heads of Departments, faculty members including Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Dr. Anoj Raj, Dr. Ritesh Chaudhary, Dr. Manoj Tripathi, Dr. Sapna Sharma, Dr. Alpana, Dr. Amrita Chaudhary, Dr. Julie, Dr. Shalini, Dr. Mohini, Dr. Dinesh, Dr. Ram Prakash Tiwari, Dr. Kapil Kumar, and Ms. Bhavna Joshi along with the entire student cohort of the department.
The lecture yielded a profoundly positive and enriching impact on the student community. Participants emerged from the session with a heightened awareness of gender equality and a more sensitised perspective on the social obligations that accompany their roles within academic and broader societal contexts. The programme successfully reinforced the university’s institutional commitment to nurturing an environment rooted in inclusivity, dignity, and mutual respect. Dr. Sapna Sharma conveyed the vote of thanks to the distinguished speaker and extended a heartfelt appeal to students to internalise the knowledge gained and integrate its principles into their everyday conduct and academic lives a call that resonated deeply with all those present.
