2 weeks ago
IGNOU and NCW Launch Three Micro-Credential Courses on Women's Issues
A university called IGNOU and a special group called the National Commission for Women have teamed up.
They signed an agreement on August 14, 2026, to make three new short courses.
One course teaches people how to prevent bad behaviour and keep workplaces safe.
Another course helps women learn leadership skills and how to behave at work.
The third course teaches everyone about fairness between men and women in society.
The lessons give practical knowledge that can be used at home and at work.
The university will build the lessons, host them online and give certificates to students.
The women's group will share ideas about which topics matter most.
The leaders of both groups say the courses should be practical and easy to use in everyday life.
Later, they may add more courses about staying safe online, mental health and other topics.
IGNOU and the National Commission for Women (NCW) signed an agreement on August 14, 2026, to offer micro-credential courses on women's issues.
The three new courses are POSH - Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace; Women's Leadership, Capacity Building & Workplace Behaviour; and Gender Sensitisation: Society and Culture.
The partnership aims to improve learning, awareness and capacity building around issues affecting women, moving from awareness toward behavioural change.
IGNOU will handle academic structure, curriculum development, digital hosting, learner support and certification, while NCW will contribute thematic content and support outreach.
The collaboration may later expand into areas such as domestic violence prevention, legal literacy, cyber and AI safety, mental health, leadership and safe migration.
- Who
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by Vice Chancellor Uma Kanjilal and Chairperson Vijaya K. Rahatkar.
- What
- The launch of three micro-credential courses focused on women's issues, workplace safety and gender awareness.
- Where
- India (IGNOU and NCW are India-based national institutions; the article does not specify the signing location).
- When
- August 14, 2026, when the partnership agreement was signed.
- Why
- To improve learning, awareness and capacity building around issues affecting women, with a focus on practical knowledge and behavioural change.
Key facts
- Partners
- IGNOU and National Commission for Women (NCW)
- Agreement signed
- August 14, 2026
- Courses launched
- 3 micro-credential courses
- Course names
- POSH; Women's Leadership, Capacity Building & Workplace Behaviour; Gender Sensitisation: Society and Culture
- IGNOU responsibilities
- Academic structure, curriculum development, digital hosting, learner support and certification
- NCW responsibilities
- Thematic content, identifying priority areas and outreach
- IGNOU Vice Chancellor
- Uma Kanjilal
- NCW Chairperson
- Vijaya K. Rahatkar
Quotes
NCW Chairperson Vijaya K. Rahatkar
Chairperson of the National Commission for Women
“the programmes should remain learner‑focused and practical so that knowledge can be applied in everyday life and workplaces”
NDTV
“moving from awareness towards capacity building and behavioural change”
NDTV











