Shivani Madan Bose’s workshop at IIT Gandhinagar takes gender sensitisation beyond compliance
In recent years, India has faced increasing challenges related to gender polarisation, workplace misconduct, and entrenched social biases. In response to these pressing issues, a series of workshops at IIT Gandhinagar have emerged as a vital intervention. These workshops, led by entrepreneur and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) specialist Shivani Madan Bose, aim to move beyond traditional compliance-based gender sensitisation and foster a deeper understanding of bias and its implications in the workplace.
Workshop Overview
The gender sensitisation programme designed by Shivani Madan Bose is tailored specifically for students on the brink of entering India’s workforce. The focus is on dismantling stereotypes before they become ingrained habits. Unlike conventional training that often frames gender equality as a women-centric issue, this workshop positions it as a collective responsibility. It emphasizes that achieving equity is not about disempowering men but about fostering systems of fairness, respect, and accountability.
Key Features of the Workshop
Shivani’s workshop stands out due to its emphasis on practical unlearning. Participants engage in various activities that encourage them to reflect on their everyday behaviours, assumptions, and casual remarks that often go unchallenged but significantly shape organisational culture. Key features of the workshop include:
- Real-Life Simulations: Students participate in scenarios that mimic workplace situations, allowing them to experience and analyse the dynamics of bias in action.
- Bias-Identification Exercises: These exercises help participants recognize their own biases and understand how these biases can affect their professional interactions.
- Language-Awareness Drills: The importance of language in shaping perceptions and behaviours is highlighted, encouraging the use of gender-neutral language.
- Reflection on Everyday Actions: Students are prompted to consider how seemingly minor actions, such as interrupting bias in meetings or crediting ideas correctly, can have a long-term impact on inclusion and trust.
Connecting Gender Sensitisation with Employability
One of the workshop’s unique aspects is its connection between gender awareness and professional competencies. By linking gender sensitisation to decision-making, collaboration, and ethical leadership, the workshop reframes inclusion as a crucial skill for future leaders. This approach not only prepares students for the realities of the workplace but also enhances their employability and readiness for leadership roles.
The Role of Bystanders and Leaders
Throughout the sessions, participants learn about the critical roles that bystanders and leaders play in either reinforcing or interrupting inequality. The workshop emphasizes that everyone has a part to play in fostering an inclusive environment. This understanding is vital as it empowers students to take proactive steps in their future workplaces, creating a culture of respect and equity.
Shivani Madan Bose’s Expertise
Shivani Madan Bose brings a wealth of experience to her workshops. As the founder of Proud HR Services, she has led over 4,500 Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) and DEI interventions across various organisations in India. Her extensive background provides her with a systemic view of how bias, silence, and power dynamics manifest in real-world settings. This perspective informs her approach, treating students not as passive learners but as tomorrow’s decision-makers whose everyday assumptions will shape the culture and safety of India’s workplaces.
A Shift Towards Proactive Consciousness
The IIT Gandhinagar workshop represents a crucial shift in how gender sensitisation is approached in educational settings. By focusing on proactive consciousness rather than reactive compliance, the initiative aims to equip the next generation of engineers, founders, and managers with the tools they need to build safer, more equitable workplaces. This shift is essential as India prepares to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing professional landscape.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shivani Madan Bose’s workshop at IIT Gandhinagar is a pioneering effort to address gender sensitisation in a comprehensive and impactful manner. By engaging students in practical exercises and fostering a collective sense of responsibility, the workshop aims to reshape the future of workplace culture in India. As educational institutions increasingly recognize the importance of inclusion and equity, initiatives like this will play a vital role in preparing students to lead with empathy and awareness.
Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET Edge Insights, its management, or its members.
