CWL-NHRC One Day Seminar On “Inclusive Higher Education as a Human Right: Addressing Gender, Age, and Intersectional Inequalities in Indian Universities” in Hybrid Mode
31st January, 2026
Register for the One-Day Seminar on “Inclusive Higher Education as a Human Right: Addressing Gender, Age, and Intersectional Inequalities in Indian Universities” organized by the Centre for Women and Law, National Law University Odisha and sponsored by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
About NLUO: The University was established and incorporated by the National Law University Odisha NLUO Act of 2008, for advanced teaching and research in law. NLUO is recognized under Section 12(b) of the UGC Act 1956 & its degrees are recognized by the Bar Council of India. NLUO is a member of UGC-INFLIBNET and a participant in the National Knowledge Network.
About the Centre (CWL): The Centre for Women and Law (CWL) at National Law University Odisha (NLUO) is a research centre committed to advancing gender justice through interdisciplinary study and action. It serves as a platform for examining social, structural, and legal dimensions of gender equality while promoting awareness and reform. CWL undertakes research projects, training, and capacity-building programmes for organizations and institutions working on women’s rights. Through publications, seminars, and conferences, the Centre fosters dialogue on power, representation, and justice, striving to build a more equitable and inclusive society grounded in constitutional and human rights values.
About NHRC: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is an independent statutory body established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 to uphold the dignity, equality, and fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of India and international human rights conventions. As the nation’s apex human rights institution, the NHRC serves as an impartial watchdog against violations committed by public authorities or through systemic neglect. Its key functions include investigating complaints, conducting suo motu inquiries, inspecting custodial and detention facilities, reviewing laws and policies, and recommending preventive and corrective measures to ensure accountability and justice. Beyond enforcement, the Commission actively promotes awareness, education, and research on human rights issues through collaboration with academic and civil society organizations.
About the Seminar: The National Seminar on Inclusive Higher Education as a Human Right: Addressing Gender, Age, and Intersectional Inequalities in Indian Universities aims to reframe higher education as a universal and inclusive right. It will explore how gender, age, caregiving roles, and socio-economic factors shape access and participation in academic spaces. Organized by the Centre for Women and Law, National Law University Odisha, the seminar will bring together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss institutional reforms, intersectional inclusion, and global perspectives on equity in education. Through dialogue, research, and policy engagement, the seminar seeks to advance inclusive educational practices and develop a framework promoting safe, equitable, and empowering learning environments across higher education institutions.
DATE: 31st JANUARY, 2026
VENUE: NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY ODISHA (HYBRID MODE)
CALL FOR RESEARCH PAPERS
The Centre for Women and Law, National Law University Odisha invites researchers, academicians, students, and practitioners to submit research papers for the NHRC Sponsored One-Day Seminar.
The broad theme of the seminar is: “Inclusive Higher Education as a Human Right: Addressing Gender, Age, and Intersectional Inequalities in Indian Universities”
Sub-Themes:
- Reframing Higher Education as a Human Right: Recognizing inclusive education as a universal entitlement essential to equality and justice.
- Gendered and Age-Based Barriers in Access and Retention: Addressing systemic inequalities faced by women, elderly learners, and marginalized groups in higher education.
- Institutionalizing Inclusion: Strengthening campus structures through effective implementation of UGC and POSH guidelines.
- Comparative Perspectives on Inclusive Education: Learning from global approaches, particularly experiences from the UK and Global South.
- Voices from the Margins: Bringing forward the lived experiences of caregivers and gender-diverse students to inform inclusive policy reform.
Important Dates
- 15 December, 2025: Last date for submission of full paper
- 05 January, 2026: Date of notification of selected papers for presentation
- 31 January, 2026: Date of seminar
Submission Guidelines
- Submissions must be in .docx format and sent via the Google form (link available in the original brochure).
- Submissions must contain a cover letter with the author’s name, institution, designation, E-mail ID, and contact number.
- Each paper must include an abstract of not more than 250 words.
- The abstract and full paper must be submitted as a single document.
- Paper length must be 4,000 to 5,000 words (excluding footnotes).
- Citations must follow Bluebook 20th/21st edition style.
- Co-authorship is permitted (max 2 authors).
- Plagiarism limit is 10%. A Turnitin report must be submitted.
- Use of AI is strictly prohibited. A Turnitin report must be submitted.
- Authors must send a declaration that the paper is original and has not been published or presented elsewhere.
Registration and Fees
- Online Participation: Rs. 500/-
- Online Paper Presentation (Per Author): Rs. 1000/-
- Offline Participation: Rs. 700/-
- Offline Paper Presentation (Per Author): Rs. 1200/-
Note: All paper presentation payments are to be made after the notification of selected papers.
Note: No accommodation will be provided to in-person attendees.
To know more about the seminar and call for papers, kindly refer to the brochure attached below.
Link for brochure
Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact us at cgs@nluo.ac.in
