About Pride Circle
India’s premier Diversity & Inclusion organization with a mission to enable and empower the LGBT+ community, Allies, Educational Institutions, Organizations, and Society in fostering a culture of belonging for all. We partner with over 500+ companies & educational institutions across India offering a comprehensive, best-in-class consulting & advocacy programs, coaching & professional networking opportunities that enables them to foster safe, inclusive and welcoming work environments.
Pride-Ed (Pride In Education) is one of the key verticals in Pride Circle that has been working passionately & relentlessly with schools and colleges with an aim to support & empower teachers, students (LGBT+ & Allies) & parents to foster safe, welcoming & LGBT+ inclusive campuses. Our mission is to create an educational ecosystem that celebrates diversity, addresses the needs and gaps in LGBT+ inclusion, and fosters understanding and acceptance.
About India Education Equality Index [IEEI]
The India Education Equality Index (IEEI), a pioneering initiative by Pride Circle, is India's first and only benchmarking tool dedicated to measuring LGBT+ inclusion within educational institutions. Launched in January 2024, IEEI empowers colleges and universities to self-assess and monitor their progress in creating safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for all students, irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
Employing a comprehensive framework of benchmarks and inclusion indicators, IEEI meticulously evaluates the current state of LGBT+ inclusion in Indian educational institutions. This initiative aims to guide institutions in self-evaluation and identify areas for improvement, ultimately fostering more inclusive campuses.
IEEI offers a structured, open or anonymous framework for institutions to assess existing practices, pinpoint areas needing enhancement, and implement effective strategies to strengthen LGBT+ inclusion across 7 key themes. This initiative empowers educational institutions to embark on a transformative journey towards creating welcoming and inclusive environments for all.
Join the IEEI and build a truly inclusive campus for all. Start your journey today and see the impact!
Measuring Inclusion Across 7 Themes
The IEEI Index transcends mere evaluation, serving as a guiding compass for institutions seeking to cultivate truly inclusive campus environments. Participating institutions engage in a self-assessment, providing evidence-based insights into their performance against established best practices. Our in-house team of experts meticulously analyzes each submission, offering a holistic perspective on your institution's strengths and potential areas for progress towards true inclusivity.
The Index delves into seven critical themes encompassing various aspects of current policies and practices. Each theme is rigorously evaluated & mapped against established benchmarks & Ranking (NAAC, NIRF, etc). Institutions receive a detailed report outlining their strengths, areas for improvement, and actionable recommendations tailored to their specific context.
IEEI Timeline 2025
The Index is a 8-month long process.
Mark your calendars and join us on this transformative journey!
Message from the Founder’s Desk
I am honored to introduce the India Education Equality Index (IEEI), a revolutionary initiative by Pride Circle. As educators, we have a duty to nurture not just academic achievement, but also the holistic well-being of our students. Yet, the reality for many LGBT+ students in India is one of bullying and exclusion. This not only inflicts emotional harm but hinders their academic potential.
A 2019 UNESCO report revealed that 60% of LGBT+ youth in India face bullying, and 43% experience sexual harassment in educational institutions. These statistics are a clarion call. The India Education Equality Index (IEEI) is our answer. This framework assesses the state of LGBT+ inclusion, empowering institutions to create safe and respectful spaces for all students.
The call to action is clear:
- Educational Institutions: Join the IEEI and embark on a path towards genuine inclusivity. Participate in the self-assessment process and witness the transformative impact it can have on your students' lives.
- Students: Be your voice and a voice for your peers. Demand a learning environment free from discrimination and brimming with inclusivity.
- Companies: Support and empower the IEEI. Together, let's ensure every student feels equipped to reach their full potential.
Let us join hands and build a future where education fosters inclusivity, respect, and the boundless potential of every student in India.
- Srini Ramaswamy (He/Him)
Speakers - IEEI 2024
Ankur Madan
(She/Her)Azim Premji University
Natasha Shirazi
(She/Her)Dell Technologies (APJ & GC)
Sayantan Datta
(They/Them)Krea University
Naomi George
(She/Her)
Dr. Annapoorna Gopal
(She/Her)Dean - Practice School, BITS Pilani
Amanjit Kaur Ahuja
(She/Her)Krea University
Priyanka Shetty
(She/Her)Pride Circle
Pooja Chettri
(She/Her)Pride Circle
Srini Ramaswamy
(He/Him)Pride Circle & Rainbow Bazaar
Sonali Dutta
(She/Her)
Rahul Ahuja
(He/Him)
Nishtha Nishant
(She/Her)
Naman Bharti
(He/Him)Participating Institutions - IEEI 2024
We have 10 institutes participating in this index, with 2 of them choosing to remain anonymous.
Venue Partner
Community Partner
Awards & Recognition - IEEI 2024
Best Performing Categories:
Academic Inclusion
Krea University
Inclusive Policies & Practices
BITS Pilani
Branding & Advocacy
The Lalit Suri Hospitality School
Participate in IEEI 2025
The IEEI extends an invitation to all Indian educational institutions to participate in a transformative journey towards inclusivity. We firmly believe that every institution possesses the potential to cultivate a welcoming and enriching environment for all students, irrespective of their background or identity. Recognizing the value of flexibility and transparency, the IEEI offers two participation options:
The India Education Equality Index (IEEI) invites all Indian educational institutions to embark on a journey of inclusivity. We believe every institution has the potential to foster a welcoming and vibrant environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.
Benefits of Participating
YouTube Gallery
Embrace the Future of Inclusive Education: Become a Sponsor
Invest in a transformative journey and stand alongside champions of change. By participating in the IEEI initiative, you gain:
