Genesis, a Club for Gender Championship, Harmony and Inclusivity

Genesis, the Gender Championship Club and Inter Committee (for POSH) organized International Women’s Day celebrations at NICMAR University, Pune on March 8, 2024, to celebrate the resilience, empowerment, and contribution of women in all sectors. A panel discussion with a few distinguished women leaders was organized on the day. The panellists included Dr. Poonam Kashyap, Director- Strategy and External Partnerships, NICMAR, Dr. Sushma Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor, NICMAR University, Pune, and three illustrious NICMAR alumni namely Mrs. Pallavi Wasule-Salunke, Assistant General Manager – CBRE, Ms. Jui Yadav –Manager- KEC International, Ms. Ridhi Agarwal, Co-founder- Hipcouch.
The women leaders discussed the specific challenges in the industry and also guided the students about how to overcome barriers and rise to the top! After this, a Debate Competition was organized for students which was oriented towards brainstorming challenges of bringing in harmony and equality in society. Informal team games were conducted for faculty and staff members to commemorate the spirit of togetherness, the importance of supporting each other and coming out of your comfort zone.

Genesis, a club for gender championship, harmony and inclusivity, was formally launched during the Women’s conclave on 25th Sep. 2023, as per UGC guidelines about gender championship. Considering the fact that it is important to initiate change processes at a young age to shape attitudes and transform behaviours and NICMAR University decided to take the cause of inclusivity and harmony ahead through this club. The main objective of the club is to foster positive social interactions in the university, which advocate that all genders are equally respected and valued. Dr. Kirti Rajhans spoke about the vision of the club to support the overall well-being of students and achieve long-term and sustainable social change. Five students were appointed as gender champions of the NICMAR University who will facilitate various activities of the club and take the cause of inclusivity and harmony ahead.

An Industry Academia Conclave titled, “Inspirational Women Leaders" was organised on 25th Sep. 2023 in collaboration with ICC, Women In Construction (WIC) forum and Genesis- the Gender Championship Club, at NICMAR University along with IFEES and GEDC.
Eminent women leaders from industry and academia participated in the conclave. The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Tarita Shankar, Chair Person and Chief Mentor, Indira Group of Institutes. She in her speech, highlighted the importance of being strong and confident, understanding one’s objectives very clearly and taking care of ourselves to all students aspiring to be leaders in future. Dr. Sushma Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor, NICMAR University, Pune spoke about various initiatives taken by NICMAR University for mentorship and development of women and also guided the participants about how to overcome challenges in their professional journey.
During the event, a book “Rising to the Top: Vol. III- Indian Women Stem Leaders Share Their Journeys to Professional Success” was launched. The book is published by International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES) & Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC). The book was launched by the hands of Chief Guest, Dr. Tarita Shankar, Eminent panellists of the conclave, Vice Chancellor, NICMAR University and Editor of the book, Dr. Sushma Kulkarni. Dr. Hans J. Hoyer, Secretary General of IFEES & Executive Secretary, GEDC, spoke about the book by joining online during the conclave.
After that, there was an enriching panel discussion on the topic, ‘Breaking Gender Barriers: Challenges and Way Ahead’. The panel members, Mrs. Mayuri Dhavale, Dr. Tarita Shankar, Dr. Sushma Kulkarni, Mrs. Archana Srivastava, Dr. Janhavi Inamdar, Dr. Mrinalini Jadhav, Mrs. Deepali Kulkarni and Dr. Hemlata Gaikwad participated actively during the panel discussion. Dr. Kirti Rajhans moderated the panel discussion and facilitated an insightful discussion about how to break the glass ceiling, overcome gender barriers and the way forward for young professionals who are aspiring to go into the leadership roles. The conclave was attended by around 900 students including NICMAR students and students from various Engineering colleges in Pune.

Orientation sessions were organised for first year students of all Post graduate Programs on 27th July 2023 and for all first-year students of Undergraduate Programs on 23rd August 2023 of NICMAR University, Pune. The sessions were conducted by Dr. Kirti Rajhans, Presiding Officer, Internal Complaints Committee. She in her address created awareness about role of Internal Complaints Committee for prevention and prohibition of sexual harassment at the University campus. She informed students about the committee members, their contact details and how to lodge the complaint in case of any sort of distress faced by the students. She also explained the rights given to every female under Vishakha guidelines and explained the provisions under the act. She updated them about various activities done at NICMAR for creating a healthy environment which supports harmony and inclusivity.