Mind the Gap: IIT Indore’s Gender Sensitisation Workshop Sparks Dialogue on Equality and Respect

Bridging Biases: IIT Indore Champions Gender Equality Through Thoughtful Workshop

In a progressive stride toward building inclusive academic spaces, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore organized a two-day workshop on Gender Sensitisation from October 28–29, 2025. Themed “Promoting Understanding and Respect”, the initiative was jointly conducted with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women and the Department of Women and Child Development, Indore.

The workshop brought together educators, policymakers, legal experts, and students to engage in meaningful conversations around gender equity, unconscious bias, and inclusive practices.

Key Highlights from the Workshop:

• Inaugural Session & Dignitaries

  • The event was inaugurated by Suresh Tomar, Member Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh State Women’s Commission, who served as the chief guest.

  • Other notable speakers included Dr. Suhash Joshi, Director of IIT Indore; Rajnish Sinha, District Programme Officer; Dr. Vanchana Singh Parihar, Administrator; and Advocate Bhavana Tripathi from Bhopal.

• Focus Areas of Discussion

  • Sessions covered topics such as gender roles in academia, legal frameworks for protection, intersectionality, and mental health implications of gender bias.

  • Interactive panels encouraged participants to share experiences and propose actionable solutions for campus inclusivity.

• Women Cell Leadership

  • Professor Dr. Kiran Bala, In-charge of IIT Indore’s Women Cell, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in creating gender-equitable environments.

  • She highlighted the importance of institutional support and student engagement in driving cultural change.

• Empowerment Through Education

  • The workshop aimed to equip attendees with tools to identify and challenge stereotypes, promote respectful dialogue, and foster safe spaces for all genders.

  • It also served as a platform to strengthen policy implementation and raise awareness about existing support systems.

This initiative reflects IIT Indore’s commitment to holistic education, where technical excellence meets social consciousness. By addressing gender sensitisation head-on, the institute is paving the way for a more inclusive and empathetic academic culture.

Sources: UNI India, The Statesman