Gender Equity at SIMATS
Gender equity at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) is not just preached but practiced thereby providing an environment where everyone irrespective of gender feels safe to engage in studying, teaching and working . SIMATS practices gender equity by sensitising the student community through 100 plus courses. The office of Gender Equity maintains a hotline number (9176622036) with the facilities of sharing the crisis and disclosing anonymously. The firm associated with the law school of SIMATS maintains the facility to file a formal complaint. Ombuds Person for gender equity receives complaints, provides assistance for lodging complaints, takes steps to investigate and also conducts mediation processes.
The study of gender at SIMATS takes place throughout the University through courses such as health, medicine, art, management, economics, education, human rights and law. From the academic year 2020 , The Centre for Criminal Justice Research of SIMATS prepares an annual schedule of programs on Gender equity to support the students in exploring the gender programs at the University. Counselling is periodically conducted to sensitize students . UG and PG students conduct empirical research for creating awareness on gender equity among the general public and also for creating awareness about the bystander-intervention programs.
Focusing on the women on campus, SIMATS periodically organizes self-defense training, particularly for girl students on campus. Also, a dedicated Yoga department functions on campus with the aim of promoting the overall well-being of women on campus - including students and faculty. The need to respect all genders equally is sensitised through videos, documentation and reports . A number of other innovative awareness programmes have also been conducted, including Run for Women Marathon and other competitions to commemorate International Women’s Day, and cyber security awareness programmes related to the safety and security of women students and employees. Recognizing the commitment towards fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals( SDGs) , SIMATS have a mission to bring changes through an inclusive vision of equality where all genders work together.
The institutions under SIMATS, as per criteria laid by UGC, have also established various committees, including the Anti Sexual Harassment Committee, Anti-Ragging Committee, Students Grievance Redressal Committee, Students’ Disciplinary Committee, and Mentoring Programmes to ensure the overall well-being of students enrolled in SIMATS. Moreover, in order to ensure the safety and security of the staff and students, 24 x 7 CCTV Surveillance is available throughout the campus and a team of well-equipped security personnel, including women security guards are engaged to ensure that women enjoy considerable freedom on campus. Campus Facilities also include feeding rooms and crèche for those in need.
Hence, SIMATS preaches as well as practices gender equity by ensuring sensitization through curricular activities and also providing the necessary infrastructure and ambience for all genders on campus to enjoy and nurture their overall well-being.