The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations General Assembly delineate essential priorities aimed at promoting the well-being of both the planet and its inhabitants. Integral University recognizes the significance and immediacy of the SDGs and is dedicated to advancing their realization. This commitment to the SDGs is evidenced through the initiatives undertaken across various departments and units within the institution. The progress report for SDG 5 is as follows.

Research on gender equality:

Every individual, irrespective of their gender, possesses the inherent human right to gender equality, encompassing equitable access to opportunities, protection against discrimination, and liberation from abuse and violence. Fostering gender equality is essential for the advancement and economic vitality of society. Ensuring equal opportunities for education, employment, and entrepreneurial ventures for women and girls cultivates a more diverse and robust workforce, which in turn contributes to the holistic development of a nation. The promotion of diversity and inclusivity within the scientific domain necessitates the establishment of gender equality in scholarly publications. Initiatives have been undertaken to enhance gender equality by not only evaluating the volume of research authored by women but also assessing the quality, prominence, and impact of their contributions within the scholarly community. Consequently, researchers now benefit from a more equitable and inclusive research environment as a result of these initiatives. This year, faculty members have produced over 19 scholarly articles centered on Gender Equality.

Proportion of women first-generation:

30% of females represent inaugural participants.

Tracking access measures:

The surveillance of access metrics constitutes a critical component of Integral University's strategy to promote gender equity in education. In order to ensure that women, particularly first-generation Indigenous female students, not only secure admission to the university but also receive the necessary support for their comprehensive development, the institution methodically monitors and evaluates their application, acceptance, and enrollment statistics. By tracking the volume of women applying, along with their acceptance and enrollment rates, IU can identify patterns and barriers that may affect female students' participation in higher education. For example, should there be an inconsistency in acceptance rates or if women face specific challenges during the application process, IU undertakes targeted measures to address these issues. Such measures may include the provision of scholarships, additional application support, or ensuring that the admissions process is transparent and accessible to all. Furthermore, through the systematic monitoring of these metrics, the University is positioned to assess the efficacy of its outreach and support programs, including career counseling, orientation, and mentorship, which are aimed at facilitating women's enrollment and success in higher education. This has ensured around 41% of the student population are females.

Policy for women applications and entry:

Integral University has formulated a Policy for women applications and entry. (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027),

https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

Women’s Access Schemes:

Several women's access programs are in place at Integral University to guarantee that female students, particularly first-generation Indigenous women, have the assistance they in order to excel within the realm of higher education, it is imperative to implement supportive programs. These initiatives provide scholarships, mentorship, and various resources tailored to assist women in navigating the distinct challenges they face.

Mentorship: The institution boasts a robust mentoring framework that connects female students with alumni, faculty, and other relevant stakeholders. This mentorship enables women to enhance their leadership skills, surmount academic hurdles, and receive guidance on career pathways. Furthermore, mentors extend emotional and psychological assistance, fostering resilience and self-confidence in students' personal and academic endeavors.

Scholarships: Integral University presents a diverse array of financial assistance opportunities for female students, encompassing both need-based and merit-based scholarships. These financial awards aim to alleviate educational expenses, ensuring that Indigenous women, particularly those hailing from the most marginalized and underserved communities, can access superior educational experiences.

Additional measures:

: IU implements supplementary initiatives to facilitate women's success. This encompasses access to leadership development programs, career advancement workshops, secure and women-friendly campus facilities, as well as extracurricular activities that promote both professional and personal growth. Moreover, the University provides resources such as workshops, academic tutoring, and counseling to address the specific needs and challenges encountered by female students.

Women’s application in underrepresented subjects:

Integral University is dedicated to encouraging more women to apply to under-represented sectors, especially for Indigenous women, especially in business, vocational training, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). University employs a multifaceted strategy that combines strategic partnerships with direct engagement in order to accomplish this.

Outreach at the university

IU carries out focused outreach programs to communities and schools, raising awareness of the opportunities in historically under-represented professions for women. Integral University actively seeks to encourage young women to pursue academic courses in these fields by highlighting the opportunities for empowerment and success through workshops, career fairs, and awareness campaigns.

Cooperation with other universities, community groups, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations

Integral University collaborates with other universities, community organisations, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations to support programs and activities that encourage women's involvement in under-represented fields. These partnerships, which frequently involve internships, mentorship programs, grant programs, etc., aid in lowering entrance barriers and establishing a welcoming environment for women pursuing these fields.

Proportion of senior female academics

27.78%

Proportion of female degrees awarded

44.27%

Policy of non-discrimination against women

Integral University has formulated a Policy of non-discrimination against women. (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027), https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

Non-discrimination policies for transgender

Integral University has formulated a Non-discrimination policy for transgender. (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027), https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

Maternity policy

Integral University has formulated a Maternity policy. (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027), https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

Childcare facilities for students

Integral University is committed to promoting the participation of women in sectors where they are under-represented, with a particular focus on Indigenous women, particularly in the domains of business, vocational training, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The University implements a comprehensive approach that integrates strategic alliances with direct community engagement to achieve this objective. Outreach at the university: IU conducts targeted outreach initiatives directed at communities and educational institutions, enhancing awareness of career opportunities in traditionally under-represented professions for women. Integral University actively endeavors to inspire young women to engage in academic pursuits within these disciplines by showcasing the prospects for empowerment and achievement through workshops, career fairs, and awareness initiatives. Collaboration with other universities, community organizations, governmental entities, and non-governmental organizations: Integral University partners with other universities, community groups, governmental bodies, and non-governmental organizations to facilitate programs and activities that foster women's participation in under-represented fields. These collaborations, which often include internships, mentorship initiatives, and grant opportunities, contribute to reducing barriers to entry and fostering an inclusive environment for women pursuing careers in these disciplines.

https://www.iul.ac.in/WomenStudyCenter.aspx

https://www.iul.ac.in/WGCell/Default.aspx

Childcare facilities for staff and faculty

Integral University recognizes the significance of providing childcare services as a means to support its faculty and staff, particularly those with young children. These provisions aim to cultivate a more inclusive, supportive, and family-oriented work environment, thereby assisting working parents in balancing their familial responsibilities with their professional duties. To ensure that employees, especially those with limited financial means, can access high-quality childcare without incurring additional expenses, the university extends complimentary childcare services to its faculty and staff. This initiative particularly benefits parents who may encounter financial barriers when seeking childcare options. The childcare facilities, staffed by qualified professionals, are designed to offer a safe, comforting, and stimulating atmosphere for children while their parents fulfill their workplace or academic commitments. These childcare initiatives are integral to Integral University's broader objectives of fostering a supportive campus community for families, aiding faculty and staff in managing their work-life balance and promoting gender equality within the professional sphere.

Women’s mentoring schemes

Integral University offers specialized mentorship programs tailored for women to facilitate their academic and personal growth. These initiatives aim to provide guidance, support, and professional development for Indigenous women hailing from the most disadvantaged and marginalized communities. Through these mentorship programs, female students are matched with experienced mentors, typically comprising senior academics, senior staff, and upper-level students who provide emotional support, professional guidance, and personalized advice. This collaboration assists women in overcoming challenges, navigating their academic journeys, and building self-confidence. Moreover, mentors play a crucial role in facilitating networking opportunities, skill enhancement, and career readiness. Active participation in these programs is expected from all students, and Integral University places significant importance on the proportion of female students engaged in these mentorship initiatives. By ensuring that a substantial percentage of female students benefit from mentorship, IU fosters a nurturing and empowering environment that supports women in achieving both academic and professional success.

Track women’s graduation rate

To keep tabs on female students' academic development and guarantee that they have equal opportunity for success, Integral University actively monitors the graduation rates of female students. In order to identify any inconsistencies or deficiencies in academic achievement and outcomes, the institution systematically collects and analyzes data regarding the graduation probabilities of female students relative to their male peers. The university has implemented an annual action plan that is sensitive to gender issue. https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/GenderEquity.aspx

Every year, a gender audit is carried out, which includes the following:

1. To identify disparities, enrollment, retention, and graduation statistics are systematically monitored and disaggregated by gender.
2. An examination of university-wide patterns in academic performance to understand the challenges confronted by women.
3. Employing scholarly and socioeconomic information, elements such as attrition rates and performance inconsistencies that influence women's likelihood of graduating are assessed.
4. Focus groups and surveys are conducted to gain insights into the barriers hindering female students' academic success.

In an effort to bridge the gender divide and ensure that female students possess the necessary resources and support to complete their degrees, Integral University implements targeted initiatives and support programs whenever disparities are identified. Potential examples of these initiatives could include:

1. Programs for academic support.
2. Counselling and mentoring.
3. Financial help and scholarships.
4. Adaptable learning choices.
5. Training courses and workshops.

There are And Gender Policies in place. (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027), (https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx)

Policies protecting those reporting discrimination : Integral University has formulated a Policies protecting those reporting discrimination. (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027), https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

Paternity policy : Integral University has formulated a Paternity policy. (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027), https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

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GLIMPSES OF THE ACTIVITY