Pinjra Tod Gets DCW to Question Universities About ‘Sexist’ Rules

DCW issues notice to 23 universities against discriminatory hostel rules.

The heat is rising against discriminatory college hostel rules. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Pinjra Tod)

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has issued notices to 23 universities and two institutes, and all Delhi University colleges, seeking information about their hostel rules, and differential fee pricing following allegations of gender discrimination by student activist group Pinjra Tod.

The move comes after a campaign had students protesting against the discriminatory rules and living circumstances in hostels, faced by women students in Delhi.

The Commission had also been approached by students of Hindu College, DCW Chief Swati Maliwal mentioned in the notice.

Also read: Hindu College’s New Women’s Hostel Has Sexist, Elitist Rules

The University and College Administration plays a crucial role in guaranteeing gender equality in the university campus. The Delhi Commission for Women has instituted an enquiry into a report compiled by a student activist group called ‘Pinjra Tod’ regarding gender discrimination and discriminatory circumstances for women in hostel accommodations in Delhi.

Hostel deadlines curb women’s access to university and public resources. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Pinjra Tod)  

In the notice, the Commission has asked the colleges to send in their written responses to the following questions:

Please send a response to the Delhi Commission for Women on all matters listed below: the entry and exit timings of students in the hostels. If the timings are different for male, female and transsexual students, please provide reasons for the same. Please also inform the Commission as to the penalties and other action that are taken against the male, female and transsexual students upon violation of these timings. 

DCW notice to universities and institutes 

A significant aspect of discrimination faced by women is the cultural bias bordering on misogyny. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Pinjra Tod) 

The Commission, through its notice has also sought details on whether the number of students, who’ve availed the hostel facility provided by the University/College, is disaggregated by gender and reservation status at all. The Commission has asked the authorities to send the details within 15 days of receipt of the notice.

Also read: Pinjra Tod: Girl Students Share Stories of Hostel Discrimination