SCERT organises seminar on ‘Role of School Leaders in Fostering Gender Neutrality and Conducive Environment’

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Divisional Office Jammu, organised a Seminar on ‘Role of School Leaders in Fostering Gender Neutrality and Conducive Environment in Schools’, spearheaded by Academic Unit-III.
The seminar witnessed the participation of fifty Heads of Institutions (HOIs) from ten districts of Jammu Division and eminent experts who deliberated on progressive strategies for promoting inclusivity in schools.

The event commenced with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony graced by the Academic Unit Heads including Shailesh Kumari, Associate Professor, Swarn Singh Jaral, Professor, Tahira Parveen, Associate Professor, Head AU-III, Coordinator and Associate Coordinator and others.
Coordinator Monica Sharma, welcomed the dignitaries, panel experts and participants, and began the proceedings with an introduction to the theme of the seminar, highlighting the importance of dismantling gender biases in the educational ecosystem.
The seminar consisted of three technical session that featured eminent panellists, including Dr. Rakesh Bharti, Assistant Prof. GCOE, Jammu, Advocate Deepali Arora and Dr. Rohini Aima, Vice Chairperson and Principal Jammu Sanskriti School.
The topics covered included Understanding Gender Neutrality in Education, Role of School Leaders in promoting Gender Neutrality, Breaking Biases overcoming Gender Stereotypes and creating conducive environment for all students and Leadership Commitments.
The seminar, aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF, provided a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of gender neutrality in education, emphasising its role in creating inclusive, equitable, and safe learning environments.
The discussions explored the leadership commitments necessary to drive meaningful change within schools, to build progressive and supportive school communities that prioritise and promote gender equality.
Dr. Neeraj Jandiyal, Associate Prof, Head Gender Sensitisation Committee, emphasising the need for sustained efforts in embedding gender- neutral practices within school policies and curricula.
The programme was coordinated by Monica Sharma and Dr. Sandeep Singh acted as Associate Coordinator.
The programme was managed by the cohesive team including Paawan Vivek, Rukhsana Gulbadan, Meena Thakur, Madhu Sharma, and. Rakesh Chobber, Sushma Kumari and Ruksana Koser.
The seminar culminated in a valedictory function presided over by Prof. Dr. Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director SCERT, Jammu Division, who affirmed that gender neutrality is a responsibility and a commitment to create a progressive society.
She urged the participants to adopt the transformative practices and ensure the schools to become safe and empowering spaces for all students irrespective of their gender. Certificates of participation were awarded to the attendees of the programme.
The formal vote of thanks was presented Paawan Vivek, Sr. Academic Officer SCERT Jammu.