The National Commission for Women (NCW) organized a state-level consultation in Shimla to address campus safety, institutional accountability, and the empowerment of young women in higher education. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar stressed the importance of active internal committees in universities, emphasizing the need for transparent and confidential complaint redressal to build confidence among female students. Rahatkar highlighted the aspirations of female students entering higher education, noting their role in shaping India’s future across various sectors.
The consultation in Himachal Pradesh aimed to identify challenges, evaluate safety measures for women, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Participants included senior officials from the state police, university administrators, legal experts, and student leaders. Suggestions from vice-chancellors and educationists focused on implementing awareness programs, gender sensitivity training, and enhancing campus security arrangements to ensure a safe environment for female students.
Stakeholders at the consultation advocated for the institutionalization of gender sensitivity training, regular review meetings of internal committees, and the establishment of clear standard operating procedures at the university level. They also proposed improving grievance mechanisms through digital channels and strengthening security measures in hostels and on campuses.
