Recognizing gender equality as a fundamental right and a crucial component of sustainable community development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology continuously strives to achieve it. The institution's dedication to guaranteeing females' equitable participation in education is shown in the enrolment statistics across all programs. Sathyabama uses positive discrimination as an employer to encourage women to enter the workforce. Nearly 80% of top leadership positions and over 70% of personnel are held by women, who also hold the majority of important administrative and academic jobs. The institution's inclusive admissions policies, scholarships for women, infrastructure supporting equal participation, and outreach programs that empower girls and women. The university emphasizes equity across education, research, and community engagement, ensuring dignity and opportunity for all students regardless of gender.
Equal representation is strictly upheld in every committee, club, and forum on campus, ensuring that the voices of girls and women are supported and valued at all levels. The principles of gender equality are deeply embedded in the Institution’s core values, ensuring that both men and women have equal access to opportunities and participate equally in policy-making and administration.
Sathyabama has always functioned as an unbiased and merit-driven institution, where performance is the only criterion for growth and recognition. With women forming a significant 70% of the workforce, the Institution consciously strives to counteract traditional gender biases prevalent in developing countries like India. The presence of dedicated support structures such as the Women Empowerment Bureau, Anti-Discrimination Cell, Human Rights Cell, and Grievance Cell further affirms the Institution’s commitment to maintaining a gender-sensitive and discrimination-free environment.
The Anbu Foundation, the University’s CSR arm, strengthens this mission by offering free education to girls from economically weaker families. Over time, it became evident that poverty creates inequality for both boys and girls, leading the Foundation to extend support to boys as well. However, the ratio of girls to boys has been intentionally kept higher to ensure that young women from disadvantaged backgrounds receive the upliftment they often lack.
5.1 Women Empowerment Bureau
The Women Empowerment Bureau, along with several other support cells established at Sathyabama, plays a crucial role in ensuring balanced, sensitive, and thoughtful engagement with students, staff, and the communities the Institution serves. The Bureau reflects Sathyabama’s strong belief that a society where women are empowered and treated as equals is one where progress becomes inevitable. Its initiatives are designed to promote fairness, enhance participation, and create an environment where both men and women can thrive without bias.
A key focus of the Bureau is strengthening the financial independence of women, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds. Recognizing that economic empowerment forms the foundation of true equality, the Institution provides training and skill-development programmes to help women acquire employable skills and pursue sustainable livelihoods. Equally important is the emphasis on women’s health. In many developing countries, including India, women from low-income families often neglect their own health and hygiene due to financial constraints or social norms. To address this, Sathyabama regularly conducts medical camps not only on campus but also in adopted villages and schools, ensuring that essential health services, awareness, and preventive care reach those who need it most.
Through these combined efforts, the Women Empowerment Bureau contributes significantly to creating an inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment, aligning the Institution’s practices with the broader goals of gender justice and sustainable community development.
1. Inclusive Admissions & Equity
Sathyabama admits students without discrimination on the basis of gender, caste, creed, or religion.
Scholarships and financial aid are provided to support female students from economically weaker sections, ensuring access to higher education.
2. Infrastructure for Equal Participation
Facilities such as ramps, tactile pathways, Braille books, and sign-language interpreters ensure inclusivity for differently abled students, including women with disabilities.
Safe campus environment with separate hostels, counseling, and mentoring programs supports women’s academic and personal growth.
3. Outreach & Empowerment Programs
Nutrition and health outreach programs (e.g., “Feeding the Future”) empower schoolgirls with knowledge on hygiene, healthy diets, and WASH practices.
Blood donation rallies and community health initiatives actively involve female students, promoting leadership and social responsibility.
Awareness campaigns on anemia, reproductive health, and lifestyle diseases specifically target women and girls in local communities.
4. Academic & Research Participation
Women students and faculty contribute significantly to research publications and innovation projects, aligning with SDG 5 indicators on female participation in knowledge creation.
Mentorship and career guidance programs encourage women in STEM fields, addressing gender gaps in science and technology.
https://www.sathyabama.ac.in/ReducedInequalities
Sathyabama is an Inclusive Institute and works with the Motto “Education for all”
5.2 Seminars /Workshops/Sensitization Programmes on Gender Equity and Equality
As a part of the Women’s Day festivities, the Department of English organized "Women in Wellington" on March 5, 2024, exclusively for the female students of Sathyabama Institute of Science & Technology. The event served as a dynamic platform that showcased the vibrant talents of the participants. Kicking off with a heartfelt opening address, the event emphasized the significance of gender equality and women's empowerment across all sectors of society. We took a moment to reflect on the progress achieved in advancing gender parity, while also acknowledging the remaining challenges that need to be addressed. Each of the three events was centered around celebrating the essence of womanhood. With over 170 participants joining in, the occasion proved to be a joyous journey of connection and celebration. In essence, the Women's Day event went beyond mere festivities; it stood as a testament to the unwavering spirit of women everywhere—a reminder of the invaluable contributions they make and the boundless potential they possess.
EmpowHER
The student of the Department of Psychology organized seminar on the occasion of Women’s Day, where Discussions on various topics concerning women's struggles and awareness took place. This event aimed to recognize the battle women fought and the struggles faced throughout history. The seminar provided a platform to honor these struggles and reflect on their ongoing significance in shaping the landscape of gender relations today. The Women's Day Program Seminar aimed to celebrate the achievements and resilience of women from various backgrounds. It provided a platform for sharing experiences, insights, and knowledge to promote gender equality and empower women. The event took place on March 4th, at Remibai Jeppiar Auditorium. So, the students of the Department of Psychology put together the seminar to address about the empowerment of women through Unity. The discussion covered topics about famous women in history who helped for empowering women and brought a change to the society, LGBTQ+ Trans femineity, Trans racism, and inclusivity. The seminar also discussed about how emotions play a role in a women’s life and how they are provoked. Sathyabama not only focuses on student and faculty but also empower its’ all employees.
MANIFEST
The Department of Psychology organized "Manifest," an event tailored exclusively for males, aimed at fostering a supportive environment for emotional expression, personal growth, and the challenging of societal norms surrounding masculinity. The event commenced with venting sessions where participants were encouraged to openly share their feelings and experiences, providing a cathartic outlet for emotional release. This was followed by engaging group art therapy activities designed to promote self-expression and introspection through various artistic mediums. Subsequent discussions delved into male expectations and toxic masculinity, prompting participants to critically examine societal norms and challenge harmful beliefs and behaviors. Emphasis was placed on unlearning toxic masculinity and embracing healthier forms of masculinity through interactive exercises and role-playing scenarios. The event concluded with a music therapy session, where participants bonded over old songs sung together around a clap box, fostering camaraderie and a sense of belonging. Feedback from participants highlighted the positive impact of the event on mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to redefine masculinity in more inclusive and healthy ways. The event greatly exemplified the Department of Psychology's commitment to promoting gender equality and mental well-being through innovative therapeutic interventions.
World Women's Day
The NSS unit of Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology commemorated World Women's Day on March 8th, 2024, with the active participation of around 100 volunteers. The event celebrated the achievements and contributions of women while also raising awareness about gender equality and women's rights. Through various activities such as seminars, panel discussions, and cultural performances, volunteers highlighted the importance of empowering women and promoting gender inclusivity. The event served as a platform to inspire positive change and foster solidarity among participants, reflecting the institute's commitment to promoting gender equity and social justice.
Nutrition demonstration on pregnancy diet and health talk on Antenatal Exercise, Antenatal Care and anemia
Sathyabama college of Nursing had organized a nutrition demonstration on pregnancy diet and health talk on Antenatal Exercise, Antenatal Care and anaemia then we conduct skit regarding personal hygiene to commemorate World population day 2023 on the theme “Unleashing the power of gender equality” from 10am to 12.30 pm at pallavakkam PHC. The participants of the programme was 45 patients attending Outpatient department at pallavakkam PHC along with 28 B.Sc (N) IV year students, the patients gained knowledge and developed awareness regarding anemia, personal hygiene and pregnancy diet. the overall feedback from the participants were Good and useful.
5.3 Measures for the promotion of Gender Equality
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology consistently implements a wide range of measures to promote gender equity and ensure a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for women. The Institution provides an enabling atmosphere for female students, faculty, and staff through a clearly defined Gender Equity Policy based on respect, equality, and dignity for all. Women are encouraged to participate in all levels of administration and academic governance, including senior leadership and decision-making positions. The Institution upholds equal opportunities for growth, professional development, and recognition irrespective of gender.
Key initiatives promoting gender equality include:
Awareness programmes on legal protections available to girls were organised for students.
Female employees are provided maternity leave, childcare leave, and special leave benefits in cases of adoption.
A significant number of women serve as cadets in the NCC unit, promoting leadership and discipline.
Indoor and outdoor sports activities are conducted for men and women students and staff on various occasions.
An Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is constituted to handle issues related to the sexual harassment of women. ICC ensures preventive measures and offers a support mechanism for female students and staff.
A daycare centre functions on campus to support women with young children, facilitating a healthy work–life balance.
CCTV cameras are installed at strategic points across the campus to ensure round-the-clock safety and surveillance, especially for women.
Committees such as the Anti-Ragging Committee, Students' Grievance Redressal Committee, and Internal Complaints Committee respond promptly to female students’ grievances, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
The Institution has female counsellors who provide psychological counselling and emotional support to students.
Additional measures that reinforce gender equity include:
A strict non-discrimination policy in hiring and promotion processes. The Institution is proud of its large number of women employees serving in senior positions such as Heads of Departments, Deans, Directors, and the Vice Chancellor.
Pay decisions are strictly based on merit, performance, and grade, without any gender-based differences.
Equal access to all institutional facilities is ensured for both male and female students and staff.
Exclusive career counselling and mentorship programmes for female students have significantly increased the number of girl students securing job placements.
Regular workshops on the prevention of sexual harassment are conducted to create awareness and establish a safe campus environment.
Sensitization programmes on gender equity, gender roles, and women’s empowerment are conducted for students and staff.
The Women Empowerment Bureau organises training programmes, seminars, and workshops on gender equity for students.
The Women Empowerment Bureau also conducts sessions on cybercrime and crime-defence mechanisms, inviting police officials and legal experts to educate female staff and students.
Overall, these sustained efforts create a campus environment where gender equality is actively practiced, encouraged, and safeguarded, ensuring that women at Sathyabama have the support and opportunities needed to excel personally and professionally.
