Karnataka State Women University (KSWU), Bijapur

One major Challenge the country faces is with respect to making higher education accessible, affordable and imparting quality education to women. Given that women constitute nearly 50% of the population, the situation demands serious thinking by one and all. Studies indicate that even amongst employed women, a significant number are working below their potential. Women are underrepresented in management positions in industries and other sectors. Women are either directly or indirectly left out of important political decisions such as national agendas, economic reforms and peace discussions. The Karnataka State Women’s University, the only women’s university in the state and one of the few of its kind in the country is dedicated for making higher education more accessible and affordable for women. It strives for providing conducive environment to attract more and more women towards higher education and promoting creativity and skills of women. Women have a natural adaptability and capacity for change but they need to be motivated and helped to build a positive self-image. It is here that women’s university scores over other institutions in successfully focusing on special needs of women and tailoring the curriculum to impart education and skills preparing them to be able to support themselves and also play a more decisive role in the society. Women need to be weaned from the habit of being ready to take the backseat and be helped to develop self confidence. Women from rural and backward areas are often plagued with outdated concepts and are not in a position to contribute due to lack of educational and training opportunities as well as lack of information and technology. Their potential to contribute is not realized due to their circumstances. Situated in one of the backward areas of the state, the university is working hard to counter this situation and help tap the potential of rural women. As the university logo - “Educating women is educating all” expresses, It is proven that educating women has a multiplier effect and it is the key for improving rural economy and rural environment. The Karnataka State Women’s University has adopted a specialized curriculum and implemented a number of innovative academic and training programmes. Utmost importance is given for development of personality and leadership qualities and skills that promote employability. The university’s short term courses and dual degree programme are attaining popularity. The University has established women’s Technology Park encompassing a computer centre and software Technology Park, Bio–diesel Technology Centre, Vermi compositing centre, Food Processing Technology Training Centre and Incubator, Tissue Culture Centre, National Bio-informatics training facility and a Paper Recycling Centre. It is hoped that these programmes along with our other academic programmes including Degree, Diploma and Certificate courses in Fashion Design management, will make women in this are capable of self support and serve as a means of improving the socio-economic status of people in rural and backward areas. With the cooperation of one and all the university hopes to march towards its goal of empowering women through higher education.