Student calls IIT-B ‘sexist’; It rubbishes claims and aims to improve women ratio
Students of Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) have criticised the institute of being sexist and ill treating women. Students have been bearing it silently, without airing it, till one student put on her wall.
However, on Monday, IITB issued a clarification rubbishing this criticism stating women are treated appropriately and women grievances and complaints are addressed through a Women’s Cell and Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
This clarification was issued in response to the Facebook post of a student named Maitreyee Shukla. Shukla called IIT-B sexist in terms of its conduct, lingo, behaviour of students and posters displaying derogatory comments regarding women. Shukla wrote, “The sexism of IIT reaches its peak during its festivals. Mood Indigo, apart from the incredibly objectifying performances catering to the male gaze, is known for the ‘Hariyali’ (literally, greenery), IIT’s lingo for the lush crop of women it hosts during the fest. For IIT-B’s annual dance festival, AIDS, the entire campus is plastered with posters saying “Chalti hai kya Hostel se Convo” and “Basanti in kutton ke saamne zaroor naachna.”
Shukla witnessed posters during her orientation and IIT fest which said ‘Basanti! In kutto ke samne jarur nachna’ while the another one read ‘Chalti hai kya Hostel se Convo?!’ (convocation hall). Shukla revealed IIT does have a Women’s Cell which is supposed to tackle issues of harassment and gender sensitivity.