Enhancing Women’s Status through Equality and Opportunities for Holistic Development and Empowerment
Introduction: Shivaji Mahavidyalaya, run by Kisan Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, stands as a pivotal educational institution contributing significantly to the empowerment of students in and around Udgir. The college has been steadfast in its commitment to education and empowerment, particularly focusing on the holistic development of women as the college has higher female enrolments (64.67% in 2023-24). The endeavours undertaken by the college to enhance the status of women by promoting equality and furnishing opportunities for their comprehensive development and empowerment are documented below.
Overview of Student Enrolment: The institution’s commitment to gender equality is reflected in its student demographics, where female enrolment consistently exceeds that of males.
The following table illustrates the category-wise comparative strength of male-female students from 2019-20 to 2022-23.
| Gender | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
| Male | 716 | 680 | 700 | 592 | 387 |
| Female | 1112 | 1255 | 1225 | 1027 | 789 |
| Total | 1828 | 1935 | 1919 | 1619 | 1176 |
| Male % | 39.17 | 35.14 | 36.16 | 36.57 | 66.33 |
| Female % | 60.83 | 64.86 | 63.84 | 63.43 | 33.67 |
Overview of Student Enrolment
Over the past four years, the college has witnessed a notable increase in the enrolment of female students across various categories, indicating a positive trend towards gender parity in education. Even in the academic year 2023-24, out of 1090 enrolled students, 705 (64.67%) were females, while 385 (35.32%) were males.
Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment: In response to the distinct enrolment trend favouring female students and acknowledging the paramount importance of fostering women’s empowerment, Shivaji Mahavidyalaya has orchestrated a comprehensive array of events and programs designed to cultivate equality, empowerment, and holistic development among its female students. These initiatives are not only aimed at addressing the educational needs of women but also at equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and awareness to navigate various aspects of their personal and professional lives.
Facilities Provided by the College for Female Students: Jijamata girls hostel, study room, ladies common room, girls washroom, incinerator machines, RO drinking water, canteen, gym, sports facility, CCTV vigilance and security persons at the gate, complaint box mechanism and so on.
The following delineates the multifaceted initiatives undertaken by the college:
| Sr. No | Name of the Program | Date |
| 1. | Competition on Generating Awareness about Legal Rights for Women | 22.12.2018 |
| 2. | Health Checkup Camp for Girl Students | 17.01.2019 |
| 3. | Skill Guidance- Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Girls by Mrs.Archana Paike (M.Sc.) | 22.01.2019 |
| 4. | Media Literacy: Need of Hour by Sharmishtha Bhosle | 01.02.2019 |
| 5. | Guest Lecture on Prevention of Sexual Harassment by Miss Kavita Sangale, P.S.I, Udgir Police Station Udgir | 11.02.2019 |
| 6. | Mahila Melawa on the Occasion of Celebration of International Women’s Day 2019 | 13.03.2019 |
| 7. | Women’s Saving Group Training Campaign For Women’s Saving Groups & Girls | 01.03.2020 |
| 8. | Special talk on Legal Awareness in Women by Adv.Dipti Nawandhar and Adv. Kulkarni Ashwini Udgir On Occasion of Celebration of International Women’s Day- 2020 | 09.03.2020 |
| 9. | One Day National Webinar on Gender Sensitization: Natural or Social | 02.02.2021 |
| 10. | Health Awareness Program | 12-01-2022 |
| 11. | One Day Webinar on Nutrition and Health of Adolescent Girls | 17-01-2022 |
| 12. | Special Invited talk on “Women’s Laws and Protection” on the occasion of International Women’s Day-2022” | 10.03.2022 |
| 13. | Seminar on the Use of Incinerator for Girls | 11.03.2022 |
| 14. | Seminar on “Skin Care for Teenagers” by Dr. Sonal Chame Kandgire, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, Venkatesh Skin Care Clinic, Udgir | 04.11.2022 |
| 15. | One-day Workshop on “Self Defence for Women” by Mr.Bapu Solunke Kung-fu and Karate Trainer, Udgir | 20.12.2022 |
| 16. | Outreach Programme for Gender Equity Beti Bachao-Beti Padhaw | 19.02.2023 |
| 17. | Motivational talk for girls Digital Literacy: Need of the Hour | 08.03.2023 |
| 18. | Program of Health and Yoga | |
| 19. | Induction Programs | |
| 20. | CCTV & Security Persons at Gate | |
| 21. | Grievances and Redressal Mechanism | |
Conclusion: Through these concerted efforts and multifaceted initiatives, Shivaji Mahavidyalaya reaffirms its commitment to promoting gender equality, empowering women, and fostering their holistic development. By nurturing a conducive environment that values inclusivity, knowledge, and empowerment, the college continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration and transformation for its female students, equipping them with the tools and confidence to navigate the complexities of the modern world and emerge as leaders in their respective fields. As the college endeavours to further expand its initiatives and outreach, it remains steadfast in its dedication to shaping a more equitable and empowered society, one empowered woman at a time.
