This study delves into the experiences of Dalit women activists in higher education, foregrounding their resistance against the systems of oppression. Dalit women, situated at the intersection of caste and gender marginalization, face systemic exclusions within academic spaces, exacerbated by socio-economic and cultural barriers. This research illuminates how Dalit women activists challenge these structures by employing various strategies of grassroots mobilization, advocacy, and scholarly knowledge. Utilising qualitative methodologies, including in-depth interviews of ten participants, the study captures the strategies these women employ to navigate and contest their marginalisation in higher education. The findings reveal that on one hand Dalit women activists engage in community-driven educational initiatives that empower young Dalit girls through mentorship and advocacy, fostering a support system that counters institutional neglect. On the other, they confront academic gatekeeping by actively participating in policy discussions, pushing for inclusive curricula and anti-discriminatory practices within educational institutions. The research highlights their efforts to create counter-narratives that validate Dalit epistemologies and experiences, thereby challenging the hegemonic knowledge production in academia. Through this activism, Dalit women not only carve out spaces for themselves but also contribute to a broader movement for educational justice. The study underscores the necessity of intersectional approaches in understanding and addressing the educational inequities faced by marginalized communities, advocating for policy reforms that recognize and dismantle these entrenched barriers.

Authors:
Preeti Koli, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi, India

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Preeti is a PhD scholar at the School of Education Studies, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi, India. She works on the issues of education, intersectionality, equity and inclusion.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/preeti-koli-8208a81b1/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Preeti-Koli

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