Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a significant workshop aimed at empowering women leaders in higher education, titled Women Leaders: Shaping Academic Excellence for Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The event took place on December 13, 2024, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and was organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC)].
The workshop attracted over 724 women leaders from various academic positions, including directors, deans, heads of departments, registrars, finance officers, and controllers of examinations from institutions across the country. This initiative is part of a broader effort to recognize and enhance the contributions of women in academia, aligning with India's aspirations for a developed nation by 2047.
During the event, UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar emphasized the critical role of women's leadership in academia and its connection to India's global ambitions. He highlighted the importance of diversity of thought and gender equity in advancing sustainable development goals. Kumar also outlined key initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, such as the Gender Inclusion Fund, GATI, and Vidyanjali programme, which aim to create a gender-inclusive educational framework.
The workshop featured a mix of academic sessions, panel discussions, and interactive Q&A segments designed to equip participants with strategies to navigate challenges in their roles. Topics covered included governance, innovation and research, human resource management, networking, and financial planning. This platform facilitated the sharing of best practices and aimed to foster supportive networks among women leaders.
In his remarks, Pradhan expressed gratitude to the participants for their engagement and reiterated the government's commitment to equity and inclusion as outlined in NEP 2020. He also acknowledged India's historical recognition of women's roles and highlighted government initiatives such as providing basic facilities, opening bank accounts for women, and advancing the Women's Reservation Bill.
