Kalyani University reiterates commitment to gender-safe campuses
The Statesman | 7 February 2026
Reaffirming the centrality of gender justice and dignity within academic spaces, the University of Kalyani on Thursday organised an awareness programme on Gender Sensitisation and Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Higher Education Institutions at its campus.
The initiative, organised by the University’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), sought to deepen understanding of gender equality, respectful institutional culture, and the legal safeguards available to women in higher education.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Kallol Paul, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kalyani, who underscored the need for sustained gender sensitisation within universities. In his inaugural address, Prof. Paul reiterated the University’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and dignified environment for students, faculty, and staff, emphasising that academic excellence must be accompanied by ethical responsibility and social awareness.
Dr Nandita Banerjee Dhawan of the School of Women’s Studies, Jadavpur University, spoke on the broader dimensions of gender sensitisation, focusing on power relations within academic spaces. She stressed the importance of continuous education, critical engagement, and institutional accountability in building gender-just universities.
The programme saw active participation from faculty members, non-teaching staff, research scholars, and students. An interactive session following the lectures enabled participants to engage in dialogue, seek clarifications on rights and responsibilities, and gain a clearer understanding of grievance redressal mechanisms.
In her welcome address, Prof. Nita Bandyopadhyay, presiding officer of the internal complaints committee, stated that the University of Kalyani is reaffirming its resolve to promote gender equity and prevent sexual harassment through regular awareness programmes and institutional interventions.