Amrita School of Social and Behavioural Sciences invites applications for a doctoral research position focused on strengthening community resilience and addressing gender-based violence through institutional and community-based approaches in Karnataka.
The Amrita School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (SSBS), Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, is inviting applications for a PhD project titled “Gender Harmony and Community Resilience: Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Kolar District.”
Gender-based violence is not only a private household issue. It is also shaped by community norms, institutional response systems, local leadership, economic vulnerability, migration, and access to support services. This doctoral project seeks to examine these interconnected factors while contributing to meaningful community-based interventions.
The research is embedded within the Gender Harmony Program, a community initiative in Karnataka that works to strengthen local systems for the prevention of and response to gender-based violence, particularly intimate partner violence.
Research Focus
The project adopts a district-to-village cascade model that aims to strengthen institutional support systems, train local gender champions, improve referral pathways, facilitate community dialogue, and support local governance structures in developing practical action plans for gender-based violence prevention and response.
The selected PhD scholar will undertake extensive field-based research in Kolar district, Karnataka, working closely with a broad range of community stakeholders including Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Gender Point Persons, Panchayat representatives, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, police personnel, healthcare providers, schools, youth groups, and local leaders.
Through active engagement with these stakeholders, the scholar will contribute to strengthening local resilience mechanisms while generating research that informs policy, practice, and institutional development.
Eligibility and Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Social Work (MSW) or a related social science discipline.
- Strong interest in gender justice, community resilience, and rural development.
- Readiness for field-based research and community engagement.
- Kannada language proficiency is preferred.
- Sensitivity and commitment to working on issues related to gender-based violence.
This hands-on doctoral opportunity is designed for candidates who wish to connect rigorous academic research with community practice, institutional strengthening, and measurable social impact.
Applications
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the Amrita SSBS PhD Admissions Process. The position offers a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research that contributes to social change, community well-being, and evidence-based practice.
Community Engagement and Field Research
