On January 28th and 29th, 2024, NIMS School of Law hosted a two-day session on “Unconscious Gender Bias,” demonstrating its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality. This insightful event aimed to educate participants on the pervasive influence of unconscious gender bias, equip them with strategies to mitigate it, and foster an environment conducive to inclusivity and equity.

Session Highlights

Day 1: Understanding Unconscious Gender Bias

The first day of the session introduced attendees to the concept of unconscious gender bias—how implicit stereotypes and preconceived notions impact decision-making, behaviors, and perceptions in both personal and professional domains. Through a combination of case studies, real-life examples, and discussions, participants delved into the subtle yet significant ways biases manifest in everyday interactions.

Students shared personal experiences of encountering gender biases, which not only highlighted the widespread nature of the issue but also underscored the need for systemic and individual introspection. The interactive discussions paved the way for heightened awareness and a better understanding of how unconscious biases can hinder societal progress and personal growth.

Day 2: Strategies to Address Unconscious Gender Bias

The second day focused on solutions. Participants engaged in interactive activities such as group discussions, role-playing, and brainstorming sessions. These exercises encouraged empathy, understanding, and collaborative thinking to tackle gender biases effectively. Practical approaches were proposed, ranging from adopting gender-neutral language in academics to ensuring diverse representation in leadership roles.

Presentations by students from various academic years brought forward innovative suggestions to dismantle stereotypes and promote diversity within institutions and beyond. The session emphasized actionable strategies, enabling participants to become active contributors toward a culture of equity and inclusion.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

The event resulted in several critical recommendations for addressing unconscious gender bias:

1. Incorporate Education and Training: Include unconscious bias training as part of the curriculum and regularly update faculty, staff, and students with new insights.
2. Promote Diversity: Advocate for diverse representation in decision-making, curriculum design, and organizational policies to foster inclusivity.
3. Create Safe Spaces: Establish forums for open dialogue, allowing individuals to share experiences and viewpoints without fear of judgment.
4. Encourage Mentorship: Develop mentorship programs to support individuals from underrepresented groups and create a nurturing environment.
5. Evaluate and Monitor Progress: Implement mechanisms to regularly assess and refine efforts in addressing gender bias, ensuring accountability at all levels.

Impact on Participants

The session left a lasting impression on its attendees. Testimonials from students highlighted how the discussions made them reflect on their personal biases and societal roles. For instance, Dipika Singh, a BA LL.B student, described the session as “eye-opening” and noted how it helped her identify the biases she unknowingly held. Similarly, Ashish Singh Rathore found the session enlightening, particularly in understanding the systemic perpetuation of stereotypes.

Relevance to SDG 5

This initiative by NIMS School of Law aligns with the broader goals of SDG 5, which aims to eliminate gender discrimination, ensure equal opportunities for leadership, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate inequality. The session reinforced the university’s commitment to advancing gender equality and empowered participants to contribute actively toward this global mission.

Conclusion

The two-day session on “Unconscious Gender Bias” exemplifies NIMS School of Law’s dedication to fostering an inclusive society. By equipping students with the knowledge and tools to address unconscious biases, the event made a significant stride toward creating a more equitable world. As the university continues its efforts under the umbrella of SDG 5, such initiatives underscore the importance of education in driving societal transformation and achieving gender equality.

Moving forward, it is imperative to translate these discussions into actionable steps. With a collective commitment to change, NIMS University and its community are poised to lead by example, shaping a future where diversity and inclusivity are celebrated and unconscious biases are actively addressed.