Gender Sensitization & Internal Complaints Committee.

For the “New Women’s College of Pharmacy,” the establishment of a Gender Sensitization & Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) is particularly crucial to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of female students, faculty, and staff. Here’s how the GSICC functions within the Institute:

1. Formation and Structure:
   • The GSICC should consist of faculty members, administrative staff, and student representatives, with a majority being women to ensure a gender-sensitive approach.
   • Appoint a respected faculty member as the chairperson of the committee, responsible for coordinating its activities and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.
2. Mission and Objectives:
   • Define the mission of the GSICC to promote gender sensitization, prevent sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination, and create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the college community.
   • Set objectives such as:
     • Conducting awareness programs and workshops on gender issues, consent, and respectful behavior.
     • Providing support and assistance to those who have experienced harassment or discrimination.
     • Ensuring prompt and fair resolution of complaints through confidential and transparent procedures.
3. Awareness and Training:
   • Organize regular training sessions, seminars, and workshops on gender sensitization, sexual harassment prevention, and bystander intervention.
   • Provide educational materials and resources to raise awareness about gender equality, women’s rights, and the college’s policies and procedures.
4. Complaints Handling:
   • Establish clear and confidential channels for reporting incidents of sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination, or any form of misconduct.
   • Develop a procedure for handling complaints, including investigation, mediation, and resolution, while ensuring confidentiality and protection for the complainant.
   • Implement appropriate disciplinary measures against perpetrators in accordance with college policies and legal requirements.
5. Support Services:
   • Offer support services to complainants, including access to counseling, legal advice, and medical assistance if needed.
   • Ensure that measures are in place to protect complainants from victimization or retaliation and to provide them with appropriate accommodations if required.
6. Policy Development:
   • Review and update college policies and procedures related to gender equality, sexual harassment prevention, and complaint redressal to reflect best practices and legal requirements.
   • Develop guidelines for preventing and addressing sexual harassment and discrimination in all aspects of college life, including academic, extracurricular, and residential settings.
7. Awareness Campaigns:
   • Organize awareness campaigns and events specifically tailored to address the needs and concerns of women students, faculty, and staff.
   • Collaborate with women’s rights organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to amplify the message of gender sensitization and empowerment.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the GSICC’s activities and interventions in promoting gender equality and preventing sexual harassment.
   • Collect feedback from stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the committee’s efforts are responsive to the needs of the college community.
9. Reporting and Documentation:
   • Maintain accurate records of complaints, investigations, and outcomes in a secure and confidential manner, in compliance with data protection regulations.
   • Prepare periodic reports summarizing the committee’s activities, trends in complaints, and recommendations for improvement, and submit them to the college administration for review and action.
10. Collaboration and Advocacy:
    • Collaborate with other departments, committees, and external organizations working on gender issues to leverage resources, expertise, and support.
    • Advocate for gender-sensitive policies, facilities, and initiatives within the college campus and in the broader community to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women.

By effectively implementing the functions of the Gender Sensitization & Internal Complaints Committee, the “New Women’s College of Pharmacy” can demonstrate its commitment to promoting gender equality, preventing sexual harassment, and creating a supportive and empowering environment for women students, faculty, and staff.