MNLU: Virtual Summit On Gender, Data, Technology & Health [Call For Papers]
The Pro Bono Club at Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai is a club run in association with the Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) Program of the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice. The club is agroup of students who are aiding in the implementation of laws in society.
The club aims to further channel the values of justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism, humanism, etc. as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The Pro Bono Club operates as a beacon of social responsibility, actively engaging in a range of activities aimed at providing legal assistance, raising awareness about individual rights, and addressing societal issues.
Their dedicated members have taken the initiative to conduct workshops, street plays, and village visits, school visits and awareness campaigns demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the confines of their university.
The Pro Bono Club at MNLU Mumbai has already embarked on several impactful projects, including:
● Living Wills Project: The Pro Bono Club has championed the right to life and dignified death through its initiative on Living Wills. They organized multiple seminars highlighting the significance of living wills and their legal evolution. Taking proactive steps, they visited individuals to draft, notarize, register, and submit their living wills, totaling 30 submissions. Due to the absence of a competent authority, these were forwarded to the municipal commissioner. Additionally, they conducted training sessions on Living Will drafting procedures and initiated a signature campaign, gathering over 800 signatories urging the appointment of a custodian. Subsequently, a PIL was filed in the High Court of Bombay, advocating for the appointment of a custodian, and registered medical practitioner, and the digitization of records. This led to nationwide RTIs being filed seeking similar information. Following the PIL, the State of Maharashtra appointed 400 custodians across the state, marking a significant milestone in ensuring the implementation of living wills.
● Palghar Report: The Pro Bono Club of MNLU Mumbai released the Palghar Report on Amazon, offering a comprehensive analysis of conditions faced by project-affected families in Navi Akarpatti and Navi Popharan villages, stemming from the separation of Dahisar Tarfe Tarapur due to the Tarapur Power Plant development. The report examines the acquisition process, challenges faced, and the effectiveness of legal frameworks pre-and post the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act of 2013. It highlights the concerns of affected families and evaluates rehabilitation measures, aiming to address gaps in the acquisition and rehabilitation processes.
● Legal Awareness Campaigns: The Pro Bono Club conducts legal awareness campaigns in schools, and slum areas of Mumbai to empower individuals with knowledge of their rights and legal processes.
Centre for Applied Research in Public Health Law, Rights and Policy was established to promote and advance research, scholarship and spread awareness in the areas of public health policies, public health programs and policy reforms in national and global contexts. It was established on 17th May, 2023.
As an advocate for health legislation reform, healthcare system improvements, and the implementation of health policies, the Centre endeavors to disseminate knowledge about existing policy responses to health challenges and rights concerning health. It also strives to critically analyze health policies to ensure compliance with fundamental rights. The Centre concentrates on a multidisciplinary approach to identifying health law-related challenges and engages in research, debate, and consultation that facilitates effective reforms in the health sector.
Knowledge partners for GDT 2.0: Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, O.P. Jindal Global University's Centre for Victimology and Psychological Studies (CVPS), Centre for Criminal Investigation & Forensic Science (CCIFS), and Tabish Sarosh & Associates (Criminal Litigation).
About The Summit (MAIN THEME)
Gender profoundly shapes societal roles and expectations. Embracing gender diversity promotes inclusivity, challenges stereotypes, and empowers individuals. Technology, crucial in their lives, intersects with gender issues, but AI often mirrors societal biases due to its data sources, leading to discrimination against women and gender minorities. This bias affects decisions in credit allocation, healthcare prioritization, and job recruitment, impacting women's psychological, economic, and health security.
In employment, especially in STEM fields, gender bias persists. Despite progress, women held less than 25% of technical roles in 2020. Amazon's automated recruitment system failed by favoring male candidates due to historical biases, highlighting the need for unbiased tech practices.
Conversely, technology has advanced gender equality. Mobile phones and social media have amplified women's voices, such as in Sudan's revolutionary movement and global outrage over women's rights in Afghanistan. In India, the Information Technology and Data Protection Acts promote gender neutrality and inclusivity.
To address gender disparities in public health, gender-sensitive health awareness campaigns are crucial. AI, including Chat GPT in academia, offers opportunities but must consider the research ethics. Digital constitutionalism can ensure digital rights and protections, promoting a fairer digital society. These efforts showcase technology's role in advocating for oppressed gender minorities and promoting equity.
Sub-themes of the Summit and Presentation
1. Gender Bias in Algorithms and AI
2. Revolutionizing Content Creation and Entertainment: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Research, Innovation, and Ethical Considerations.
3. Gender Neutrality and Inclusivity in Information Communication Technology laws and policy.
4. Robotic Assisted Surgery.
5. Disparities in Public Health and Promoting AI in healthcare.
6. AI and Mental Health: Gendered Perspectives.
7. Digital Constitutionalism.
8. Revolutionizing Financial Services: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Fintech.
Sub-themes of Plenary Sessions
1. Promoting Gender Equity in the Digital Age: Addressing Bias in AI and Ensuring Inclusivity in ICT Laws and Policies.
2. Safeguarding Privacy: Digital Constitutionalism and Data Protection in the AI Era
3. Gendered Perspectives in Technological Advancements: Exploring Robotic-Assisted Surgery and AI in Mental Health
4. Revolutionizing Financial Services: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Fintech.
Kindly note: The list of sub-themes is merely indicative and not exhaustive. Any topic or any paper in relevance to the main topic can be considered.
Acceptance of Abstracts
- Papers are invited from teachers, researchers, professionals, students, and law enthusiasts from all over the globe for presentation at this summit.
- Only good-quality abstracts (up to 300 words) will be accepted for presentation.
- Each presentation will last 10 minutes.
- The presentation must include the topic, research questions, methods, utility and contribution of research, and tentative findings or suggestions.
Timeline
Abstract Submission Deadline: September 20th, 2024
Last Date to Register as a participant: October 10th, 2024
Acceptance of Abstract Notification: September 25th, 2024
Date of Full Paper Submission/ Working paper submission: October 5, 2024
Date of Presentation: October 12th and 13th, 2024
Contact
Email: mnlumevents@mnlumumbai.edu.in
Mobile: 9022717016, 7058889393