GNPs planned in engg colleges

Hyderabad: Recognising the value of girls and their rights, the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University would implement Gender Champion Programme (GNPs) in its campus and the affiliated colleges.

The University asked its officials and the managements of the affiliated colleges to implement the programme. Under the programme the University and the colleges would enroll volunteers from the campus and the colleges which would take up programmes on the gender equality.

Officials of the University said that gender socialisation of both boys and girls begins early and it is important to initiate change process at a young age to shape attitude and transform behaviours. Schools and colleges play a major role in this regard.

India is home to around 23.20 crore individuals aged 15 to 24 years and account for 19.15 per cent of the population. Engaging these boys and girls is crucial to help them critically assess notions of masculinity and question prevailing gender inequities.

In order to promote gender equality, the government initiated Gender Champion programmes in all schools and colleges across the country. Gender Champions could be both boys and girls above 16 years.

The Gender Champions should provide overall guidance to the peer group in integrating and mainstreaming in all activities of the institution in the form of focused group discussions, debates and poster campaigns.

Nodal teachers would be appointed who would provide overall guidance to the Gender Champions.