Institutional Distinctiveness

     Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam is the only University for women in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The mission statement of the University is “Emancipation of Women through Acquisition of knowledge” and empowerment through skill up-gradation, involvement and participation in various occupations of society towards establishing a progressive and an equalitarian society. Every activity of the institution aligns with this mission statement. The design and implementation of the curriculum focuses on latest developments and emerging issues in the field of study and meets the demands of the job market. Adopting NEP – 2020, promoting skill-based courses, outcome-based education and analysis of stakeholders’ feedback, ICT enabled classrooms, blended mode of teaching-learning process, clearly defined course and program learning outcomes, choice-based credit system, inter-disciplinary courses, value added courses and MOOC courses help women students to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in their field of study. Field-work and internship programs as well as an increased interaction and collaboration with the industry has helped students to become industry ready as soon as they complete their program. In this regard the University is making significant progress in contributing women work force to the industry. Mentor-mentee practice is in place in which students are counseled by their mentors who continuously interact and monitor the academic progress of the students. This practice is of enormous help to the students both academically and in managing their personal lives.

Research activities in the University contribute to knowledge in the academic field and the findings and innovations are also taken to the community, especially to women by the various extension activities of departments and the NSS. Research projects focus on addressing the contemporary issues of women in society and in finding solutions to some of the problems faced by women in the community. Significant progress has been made by the University in encouraging women in science and contributing women scientists to the society. The University has also acquired state of art equipment for its research laboratories and has established unique centers such as DST CURIE-Artificial intelligence Centre which has conducted several Workshops on Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Internet of Things (IoT) & Augmented Reality (AR) in order to train women to initiate Startups and create Innovative products related to AI with economic feasibility and commercial viability. This ensures that women are important partners in the Make in India movement.

Women in the community and adopted villages are empowered in education, health, legal provisions, innovations and technology by the various departments of the University. Centre for Women’s Safety established in collaboration with Police Department, AP works to create awareness on women safety and crimes against women in the community. Promoting women entrepreneurship is one of the important objectives of the University. Women ICT frontier Initiative (WIFi) is a flagship program of UN-APCTICT that takes up activities to promote women entrepreneurship through ICT. It organizes workshops and training programs like Business models and Digital marketing among others for Women entrepreneurs and students. NASI program identifies and trains women entrepreneurs from SC/ST communities. Rural Women Technology Park has successfully trained community women in producing and marketing herbal products. DSIR’s TePP (Technopreneur Promotion Programme) Outreach cluster cum innovation centers (TOCIC) in SPMVV is ranked 1st among 12 centres in the country. The scheme has provided ample support in promoting a culture of innovation and startups among women in Andhra Pradesh. The department of Biosciences and Sericulture trains community women in the production of handicrafts from cocoons under the DSIR (Technology Development and utilization programme for women) project that has helped rural women earn their livelihood from home.

SPMVV is unique in Andhra Pradesh in having eight incubation and innovation centers which promote Innovation, Incubation and entrepreneurship among women. Hackathons and idea festivals for students are conducted regularly to promote original thinking and creativity among students and an entrepreneurial ecosystem on the campus. The institution successfully developed and offered YASHODA (Yardstick for Self-Empowerment, Holistic and Overall Development of Anganwadi personnel) for Anganwadi workers in association with the government of AP.

The Centre for Women’s Studies, Department of Home Science, Education, Law, Social Work and Women’s Studies through their extension activities work to empower women in the community through various activities all through the year. During the COVID 19 pandemic, the institution focused on helping women migrant laborers by distribution of masks, sanitizers, food and essential items to them. Awareness programs also helped community women suffering from health issues as well as pregnant and lactating women during the pandemic.

SPMVV is also networking between the Transgender Community and the GO’s and NGO’s and Promoting Gender Champion Clubs. Girls Self-defense Training is given to all students to empower them to deal with crisis situations. Yoga, Taekwondo and other physical self-defense classes are conducted by the Department of Physical Education. Gender Sensitization and Self Defense is a foundation course taken by all students in the III semester. Self-defense training is also given to community girls and women. Career guidance programs are also conducted for girls in the community by arranging camps in nearby villages. Free legal guidance cell for women, health camps for community women, career counseling center, committee to deal with sexual harassment are some of the best practices aiding in well-being of women. Environmental conservation and mitigating climate change has also been an important objective of the University. SPMVV believes that involving women in conservation and sustainable practices will go a long way in achieving a clean and green environment. Several awareness programs, tree plantation drives, energy conservation programs, Swachh Bharat initiatives, awareness on Open defecation free society and using eco friendly products have been conducted for students and staff of the University as well as for the community women. The institution believes that women students who are environmentally conscious will lead the way in fighting climate change in the society and therefore environmental programs are conducted on the campus regular for students. Every activity of the University ensures that the institution contributes to nation building by providing to society skilled, knowledgeable, empowered and socially responsible women citizens.