Lovely Professional University (LPU) stands at the forefront of advancing Sustainable Development Goal 5 — Gender Equality — where commitment has matured into culture. Through its flagship framework HER-RISE @ LPU (Harnessing Equity & Respect through Research, Inclusion, Safety & Empowerment), the university has transformed equity from a policy principle into a measurable and empowering reality. HER-RISE builds on the earlier GENDER framework, advancing from governance to growth and from participation to performance. “Gender equality at LPU is not a destination achieved once; it is a journey of perpetual ascent — a continuous rise, one evidence-led step at a time.”

LPU is dedicated to reducing the gender gap in education and advancing gender equity through ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and enhancement of its mechanisms. The University has established a comprehensive and integrated University Management System (UMS), enabling students, parents, and teachers to monitor student performance and progress in real-time. UMS facilitates all academic, administrative, and student services across the university. Clearly defined, documented, and implemented policies are fundamental to these initiatives, providing clarity and ensuring a well-defined path and outcomes.

• LPU embedded SDG-5 as operating culture via the HER-RISE framework—uniting four pillars: Research, Inclusion, Safety and Empowerment.
• Research impact surged: women faculty led 24 externally funded projects (₹2.5 crore) and produced 124 Scopus-indexed gender publications (2022–2024).
• Inclusion advanced through Equal Opportunity & targeted Financial Aid (Single Girl Child, Single-Mother Child, Transgender, Minority), improving equitable access—especially in STEM.
• Career outcomes rose decisively: female placements climbed from 1,300 → 1,833 → 2,018 with women’s share of total placements improving to 26.9% in 2023–24.
• Safety systems strengthened: PoSH policy fully aligned to law; ICC (≥70% women) ensured timely redressal and conducted regular orientations; women’s health & wellness programs expanded with clinical, psychological and lifestyle focus.
• Capacity-building scaled: in 2024–25, HRDC ran 129 teacher-empowerment activities (up from 82) engaging 4,500; counselling grew 142→219, workshops 133→259, and psychometric tests 1,633→4,032.
• Empowerment & visibility accelerated: Women’s Leadership Summit convened 450; HER-RISE Circle reached 250 mentors; women athletes’ achievements rose 101→127; marquee wins included AIU Women’s Boxing title and All-India Women’s Softball crown; LPU also fielded 24 student-athletes for Paris 2024.
• Women’s representation and retention improved via year-on-year staff growth and flexible work policies (PPW/Remote Work) that protect careers through caregiving or mobility constraints, widening leadership pipelines.
• Future Roadmap (2025–27): four institutional targets—50% female enrolment, 40% women in leadership, 150 gender publications, and outreach to 25,000 women annually.

This narrative is not just about statistics; it is about real lives transformed through education, advocacy, and community engagement. As we reflect on the past year, this report serves as both a testament to our achievements and a call to action for continued efforts towards a more equitable future. By embracing diversity and fostering empowerment, we can collectively contribute to a sustainable world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.