End of Joint International Research Conference 2026; Advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Education
The first day of Joint International Research Conference 2026, themed “Advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Education: Local and Global Realities,” was held at the College Auditorium, Samtse College, on 4th and 5th September 2026. The conference brought together researchers to share perspectives and research findings on gender equality, diversity, equity, and social inclusion in education across different contexts.
The opening session at the Auditorium (Namgay Khangzang) included the lighting of butter lamps, the national anthem and Zhabten, followed by the formal welcome and conference briefing.
Dr. Kinzang Dorji, Conference Coordinator, welcomed participants, followed by Dr. Sonam Rinchen, President of SCE, addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of research and academic collaboration in responding to contemporary educational challenges.
Chief Guest Dr. V. M. Sasikumar, Council for Educational Administration and Management, India, spoke about educational leadership, inclusive classroom environments and the role of technology in creating equitable learning spaces.
The keynote address by Prof. Daisy Bora Talukdar (PhD) focused on “Cultivating an Inclusive Teaching Environment through Gender-Responsive Pedagogy: A Critical Assessment of CBSE Social Science Textbooks.” She examined how gender-responsive pedagogy and educational materials can help challenge existing gender assumptions.
The keynote placed Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in the context of international conventions and discussed its core pillars. She also compared India and Bhutan with wider global benchmarks, identified challenges to inclusive education and proposed policy recommendations for strengthening gender-responsive practices.
The panel discussion, “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion through Leadership, Partnerships, and System Reform,” moderated by Dr. Kiran Arora, focused on putting gender equality and social inclusion into practice. Panelists included Prof. Ajay Sareen- Lovely Professional University, Dr. Naresh Kumar Dhiman – Doaba College, Jalandhar, Dr. Pratiksha Dixit – Springfields, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Karma Gayphel and Dr. Doma – Samtse College of Education.
The programme was moderated by Ms. Bjoiv Lhamu Subba and featured research presentations from academics and researchers from diverse backgrounds. The session included online and research presentation. Each presenter was allocated 15 minutes for the research presentation, followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer session.
The research presentations addressed diverse aspects of gender equality, diversity, equity, and social inclusion in education across different contexts. The presentations explored diversity, equity, and inclusion in Bangladeshi universities; women’s perceptions of gender discrimination in contemporary society; barriers to gender equality and social inclusion in education in conflict-affected Tamenglong District of Manipur; the relationship between education and gender equality, particularly concerning women in Afghanistan; the role of legal literacy in advancing gender equality and social inclusion in education; and the importance of policies and institutional frameworks in promoting gender equality and social inclusion in education
The conference provided students with an opportunity to engage with current research and gain insights into how issues of gender equality and social inclusion were understood and addressed in different local and global contexts.
The first day of the conference concluded with meaningful academic discussions and question-and-answer sessions, providing a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, critical reflection, and scholarly exchange on the continuing pursuit of equitable, inclusive, and gender-responsive education.
Second day begun with the second keynote address by Prof. Dr. Savita Mishra, Principal of Nakshalbari College, West Bengal, India, and co-convenor of the conference. Her keynote, titled “Relevance of Educational Thought and Scientific Literature in Bridging the Gaps of Gender Inequality,” highlighted the importance of educational thought and scientific literature in addressing gaps in gender equality. Prof. Mishra also emphasised viewing women as active promoters of social transformation rather than merely passive recipients of support.
This was followed by parallel paper presentations. The sessions focused on “Inclusive Pedagogy, Teacher Education and Classroom Practices”. The presentations in the auditorium moderated by Ms. Sonam Wangmo and the parallel room in the Rigpa Hall was moderated by BR. Yangdon of Samtse College of Education.
Topics for day second concentrated on students’ well-being, learning outcomes, and psychology development, closing with AI in inclusive education.
The ceremony then proceeded with the awarding of certificates to the presenters. The certificates recognized researchers and scholars who had contributed to the conference through their participation and paper presentations
Events brought together researchers, academics, and students from different backgrounds, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, perspectives, and research experiences. For students of the College, the conference provided a valuable space to learn beyond the classroom, engage with current research, interact with scholars, and develop a broader understanding of issues related to gender equality and social inclusion. These experiences contributed to enriching their academic learning while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement with contemporary educational issues.
