Why Girls Feel Safe on Campus

Jamia Millia Islamia is a university that contributes to society by countering several societal issues, of which gender inequality is one. As a university, it not only sets itself as an eminent educational institution, but is also among those working to empower women.

As a girl studying in Jamia, I feel safe on the campus because it has an efficient security system. Security guards are placed at all entry gates to keep out the anti-social elements. Any kind of misdemeanor is immediately looked upon. Our former vice-chancellor, Najeeb Jung, had even appointed guards to walk girls back to their hostels because of the complaints of harassment faced by girls on the street on their way back to the hostels. The security guards take immediate action when they encounter cases of misbehaviour. We girls free safe to move about anywhere on campus.

Unlike several other institutions, Jamia is very sensitive towards its girl students. It provides a strong sense of equality and freedom to girls. Jamia regularly organises lectures and discussions on issues related to women, and invites eminent personalities to talk about those issues. To offer safe accommodation to more girls in the future, Jamia is building a new hostel for girls for which Sonia Gandhi was invited to lay the foundation.

It does a remarkable job in educating and imparting the very basic principles of gender equality and sensitivity which have become the necessity of today’s world. These principles and teachings play an important role in making men better human beings.

It strengthens and promotes self-confidence in girls, and encourages them to stand as strong competitors against those who underestimate their abilities. Because of this we have seen girls outshine boys in several competitions. To provide opportunities to Muslim girls and instill in them the will to educate themselves, Jamia has arranged for special quota for Muslim girls.

Parents feel secure in sending their daughters to study at Jamia in comparison to sending them to other universities. My parents too feel relieved because Jamia provides safety for girls. I believe Jamia contributes to society by promoting women empowerment and fostering male students who will stand by women in their hour of need, instead of giving in to impertinence. Jamia teaches us to stand shoulder to shoulder with boys and to not feel inferior to them. As so many others, I too take pride in studying in this renowned institution.

[Hera Khan (2014) is a graduate student in the Department of English. She can be reached via email at: [email protected]]