January 16, Amritapuri (Kollam): The International Gender and Technology Conference commenced today at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Amritapuri campus. Organized by the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, the conference highlights pressing global issues at the intersection of gender and technology.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India. Distinguished guests included Dr. Mehdi Sneine, UN Tech Envoy Secretary-General; Dr. Tim Curtis, UNESCO South Asia Regional Office Director; and Prof. Mohammed Kasim, former Chair of IEEE Kerala.

Dr. Bhavani Rao, Dean of the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, presided over the event. Prominent speakers such as Swami Shubamritananda Puri, Director of the Europe Mata Amritanandamayi Center, and Dr. Geetha Kumar, Dean of Amrita School of Physical Sciences, also addressed the gathering.

The four-day conference features a packed agenda, including keynote speeches by thought leaders, a mega hackathon, engaging workshops, and interactive exhibitions. Sponsored by IEEE SSIT and its Kerala Chapter, the event will host over 50 speakers and promises to be a hub for innovation and dialogue.

The conference will conclude on January 19, with outcomes expected to contribute significantly to advancing gender equality through technology.