Goal 5: Gender Equality

Women’s mentoring schemes in which at least 10% of female students participate

At MAHE, we believe in nurturing students with all kinds of mentorship, starting this process from the time of admission. The first step after a female student is admitted is to assign her to a Mentor-Mentee Program.

Apart from this program, we have year-long activities to mentor/guide and motivate specifically female students on campus where participation of women students is 100%. Below are the programs under which the events are conducted.

1. Mentor-Mentee (Teacher Guardian)

1. Objective

The teacher acts as a local guardian and mentor for the newly joined student and enables him/ her to get adjusted to the campus and the course.

2. Scope:

The undergraduate students who join the various professional courses of the University are privileged to have the benefit of the teacher guardian scheme.

3. Beneficiaries

• All newly joined undergraduate students till they finish their first year at the university.

• Students who fare poorly in academics or for any other valid reason may avail the facility in the later phase of their training upon the request of parents.

4. Criteria for selection of the teacher who will be the guardian

1. Usually, the teachers who teach first-year students are involved in this scheme.

2. The teacher should have served at least 2 years in the institution (will not apply in case of a newly started institution or a course).

3. The number of wards under a Teacher Guardian/ Mentor should preferably range from 5 to 10.

4. Deans of the respective institutions, in consultation with the Associate Deans of the institutions and the Director of student Affairs, will identify teachers who are willing to act as guardians.

5. The Dean of the institution may update the list of teachers identified as guardians periodically depending on the feedback obtained. The teachers so identified are notified by the Director of student Affairs.

5. Functioning of the teacher guardian scheme

1. At the time of admission to a new course in the University all students and parents are briefed about the teacher guardian scheme.

2. All first-year students compulsorily have to join the scheme.

3. The parents have to note down the contact address, telephone number, and email address of the teacher and guardian of their child. The teacher guardian in turn has to meet the parents of his/her wards during the time of orientation day, to establish contact with parents. Parents need to be told to keep in regular touch regarding their child’s academic performance, attendance, health, habits, etc.

4. In the first 6 months of the course, the student has to contact the respective teacher's guardian at least once or twice a month or more often when the situation demands. E. Deans of the respective institutions, in consultation with the Associate Deans of the institutions and Director, Student Affairs, will identify teachers who are willing to act as guardians.

5. Every teacher guardian has to report to the Dean/student welfare officer of the college about the contact with the student once in four months.

6. The student has to inform the respective teacher guardian if he/she is going out of the station, or is changing the place of residence.

7. In case of minor ailments, the teacher guardian may direct the student to the student health clinic for medical help. When a student gets admitted to the hospital for any reason, the teacher’s guardian needs to be aware of this fact and may contact the parents depending on the urgency of the situation.

8. The names of the students who do not meet their respective teacher guardians are brought to the attention of the Dean/ Student Welfare Officer / Director Student Affairs. Also, situations where parents do not respond to the communication from the teacher’s guardian are brought to the notice of the Dean/ Student Welfare Officer/ Director Student Affairs.

9. If the teacher has consistently shown inadequate contact with the student and is unable to establish rapport with a group of students, he/she will not continue in the scheme.

10. Senior students who fare badly in academics, and who absent themselves from class for various reasons may also be given the benefit of the scheme at the request of their parents.

11. In situations where the parents or the student concerned does not respond to the teacher guardian, the same is reported to the Dean/ Student Welfare Officer /Director of Student Affairs.

12. A copy of the report from teacher guardians regarding details of the poor performers is to be sent to the Director of student Affairs once every four months.

2. Women’s mentoring schemes - Mentorship through Sports for Female students

   
   

1. 2.1   Mintonette’23 (empowering women)
   

   The Department of Exercise and Sports Sciences at Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP), MAHE organized a volleyball tournament for women on May 20th, 2023. The event aimed to promote the state game, empower women, and encourage a healthy lifestyle. The program was broadcast live by the 3rd-year undergraduates to enhance their event management skills.

2. 2.2   All India inter-university cricket tournament for women

   Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, & AIU hosted a prestigious sporting event, the all-India inter-university cricket tournament for women, from 26 February to 6 March 2024. This event marks a significant milestone in promoting women's cricket at the university level across India. It provides a platform for young talent to showcase their skills and passion for the game.MAHE's state-of-the-art sports facilities will serve as the backdrop for this event, ensuring that the players have access to top-notch resources and a conducive environment to perform their best.

3. Women’s mentoring schemes - National Girl Child Day - Poster competition

   
   

The National Girl Child Day - Poster Competition at MAHE, Manipal, is an event organized to celebrate and promote the rights of girl children, raise awareness about gender equality, and highlight the importance of empowering girls in society. This initiative aligns with India's observance of National Girl Child Day on January 24, aimed at advocating for girls' rights and education.

The National Girl Child Day - Poster Competition at MAHE, Manipal, is a valuable initiative aimed at celebrating and advocating for the rights of girl children. By encouraging participation and creativity, this event raises awareness and fosters discussions on critical issues related to gender equality, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

On Jan 24th, 2023, National Girl Child Day was celebrated with a Poster competition among Radiography students. Department of Radiology at KMC Mangalore affirms its commitment to empowering the ladies on this National Girl Child Day. With more than 50 % of faculty and postgraduates being the female gender, it always believes in programs and initiatives to uplift the girl child.

4. Guest Lecture to Mentor Female Students

   
   

3. 4.1. Women in Mathematics Day

   
   

The Department of Mathematics at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) hosted a special event, Women in Mathematics Day, on 12 May 2023 to celebrate women's remarkable achievements in mathematics. Aligned with the global commemoration of female mathematicians, the event honoured the memory of the renowned Fields Medalist, Professor Maryam Mirzakhani. It also aligned with the themes of G20, W20, and the Institute’s Innovation Council (IIC).

3. 4.2. Guest Lecture on Gender Theory and Global Public Health

   
   

MPH Programme, Department of Health Policy (DoHP), Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal organized a Guest Lecture on “Gender Theory and Global Public Health” on Friday, October 13, 2023 (14:30 hours IST) on the Premises of Lecture Hall 1, PSPH, MAHE, Manipal. Resource Person was from Deakin University, Australia (Course Director, Master of Public Health Programme, School of Health and Social Development). During his talk, the resource person spoke regarding gender theory, public health, global health, global public health; the perceptions regarding sex, gender, the roles played by females and males over the course of human civilization, various measures, schemes, campaigns, research studies done throughout the world regarding the health and well-being of females, males; the impact of climate health, economies of the countries on the health of females, males throughout the world etc.

3. 4.3. Alumni Engagement Guest Lecture - Digital safety for women empowerment

   
   

The Department of Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing at Manipal College of Nursing organized an alumni engagement guest lecture (series 3/2023) on 09.03.2023 at Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal. The lecture was aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students. Mrs Ameeka Shereen Lo-bo (MSc Alumna 2014-16 Batch), currently working as a Research Fellow at the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, delivered the session. The topic was "Digital safety for women empowerment," based on the IWD 2023 theme.

Link: Effective alumni engagement guest lecture-3-2023

5. Volunteer Services Organization (VSO-MAHE)

   
   

The Volunteer Services Organization (VSO), a unit of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, was established on September 17, 2007. Its purpose is to provide students, staff, and their spouses with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by assisting those in need. VSO not only supports the less fortunate but also offers volunteers the chance to develop new skills, work in teams, and ultimately become better individuals. With a volunteer strength of over 3000, including students, faculty, and their spouses from various constituent colleges of Manipal and Mangalore, VSO undertakes projects that encompass community, social, organizational, and soft skills initiatives.

1. 5.1. Project Shiksha

   
   

Description of the project- Launched in October 2023, the Shiksha project educates girls aged 12 to 18 from the Planet Mars Foundation. It covers topics like dental hygiene, handwashing, astrophotography, menstrual hygiene, and basic science. Emphasizing English skills and diverse fields, it aims to empower girls and promote gender equality. Weekly engagement activities benefit both coordinators and girls, fostering confidence and future opportunities.

Total number of volunteers participated: 53

No. of hours contributed by each volunteer: 2 hrs

Total no. of hours contributed for this project: 106 hrs

1. 5.2. Daan Utsav

VSO Daan Utsav is also known as the joy of giving week. It was celebrated from 2nd to 8th October this year. Around 50 projects were organized and conducted throughout the week involving all the institutions of MAHE.

1. 5.3. Awareness Street Play

A compelling street play by “KALAMANCH” on 6th October 2023, created awareness about women empowerment thus promoting a positive change in society.

1. 5.4. Fostering Joy and Connection: Visit to the Bejai-Kapikad Transit Home

On August 19, 2023, VSO-MAHE, Mangaluru visited a transit home in Bejai-Kapikad, where they were warmly greeted by 25 enthusiastic girls. During their 2.5-hour visit, engaging activities were conducted to promote gender equality and empowerment. The girls showcased their creativity with vibrant drawings, expressing their aspirations, while conversations revealed their vibrant energy and enthusiasm, inspiring the team with their resilience. A lively dance session fostered joy and camaraderie, and in a Rakhi-making session, the girls crafted rakhis for soldiers with enthusiasm, demonstrating compassion and solidarity. As VSO Mangaluru departed, they left with cherished memories and gratitude for the opportunity to interact with these girls, who exemplify the importance of empowering and supporting young women.

6. W20-MAHE Women Vice Chancellors' and Leaders' Conclave

   
   

   Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) hosted the “W20-MAHE Women Vice Chancellors’ and Leaders’ Conclave” in Bengaluru on 26-27 May 2023. W20 is the official G20 engagement group focused on gender equity. Its primary objective is to ensure that gender considerations are mainstreamed into G20 discussions and translated into the G20 Leaders’ Declaration as policies and commitments that foster gender justice and women’s empowerment. Over 40 women leaders from various parts of India were part of the mega event to engage in meaningful discussions to advance equality for all those on the margins of development.

   
   

• About-us:wvclc.

• w20 mahe women vice chancellors and leaders conclave

• w20 mahe women vice chancellors and leaders conclave unveiled

7. Study Tour

   
   

   1. 7.1  Study tour to “Charaka Women's Multipurpose Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd, Shimoga." 24 Jan 2023

   
   

   Two faculties and one student from Manipal School of Architecture and Planning (MSAP), one of the constituent units of MAHE, participated in the study tour programme. Outcomes of the program were: On 24 January 2023, the researcher team visited the "Charaka Women's Multipurpose Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd, Shimoga,". The tour was mainly intended to explore the potential for spinning, handloom weaving, and natural dyeing for banana fibres, yarn, and fabric. The society's manager showed the unit for spinning, weaving, dyeing, and printing. The organization helped the researchers in dyeing, spinning, and weaving the banana-cotton yarn. The visit helped in understanding the possibility of spinning different proportions of blends. The outcome of the trip is that the banana blended with the cotton fibre can be woven in the handloom and dyed using natural dye.

   Study tour to “Charaka Women's Multipurpose Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd, Shimoga." 24 Jan 2023

   The award-winning poster, titled "Breaking Norms: Implementing Gender Neutrality in Retail Stores," authored by Ms Kaavya Azad, a final-year BArch student, and Ms Akshaya M R, an Assistant Professor at the Department of Design (DOD), has garnered recognition at the 4th National Conference on Youth in Social Change, hosted by VSO MAHE. The poster addresses the crucial theme of gender neutrality within the context of retail spaces. Ms Azad, as a final-year architecture student, brings a fresh perspective to the discourse, while Ms Akshaya M R, an Assistant Professor with a senior scale position at DOD, contributes her expertise to the research. The essence of the research revolves around challenging societal norms and advocating for inclusivity within retail environments. The authors delve into innovative strategies and design considerations that can be implemented to create gender-neutral spaces in retail stores. Their work not only highlights the importance of breaking away from traditional norms but also underscores the role of architecture and design in fostering social change. This recognition as the recipient of the "Best Poster Award" at a prestigious national conference signifies the impact and relevance of their research in the field of youth-driven social change. The acknowledgment from VSO MAHE further validates the importance of promoting gender neutrality in public spaces, with the retail

   
   

   1. 7.2  The 4th National Conference on Youth in Social Change, hosted by VSO MAHE. 16 to 17 Sep 2023

   
   

   Crochet workshop by Dr. Ann Thomas currently working as crochet teacher at purple space conducted for the creative textiles elective student as a part of course plan on 26.09.2023 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm (3 hours) At UGF 22, Department of Design, Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, MAHE , Manipal. The crochet workshop was conducted for 3rd (8 students) ,5th (13 students) and 7th (20 students) semester students for Elective course (DOD 4311-Creative textile). Students must acquire knowledge of a different of creative techniques that can be incorporated into their designs. Through this workshop, students can learn crochet through hands-on exercise.2 faculties and 41 Students participated.

   Outcomes of the Programme were : The workshop helped students in learning basic crochet techniques (chain and double crochet) and creating granny square patterns. The workshop inspires students to create their own designs, which will benefit the students with regard to the course.