SDG 5 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Promoting Women’s Empowerment and Leadership at UoB
The University of Bahrain (UoB) is dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women across higher education and the broader community. Through a holistic strategy encompassing academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement, UoB fosters meaningful progress.
- Explore the 2023–2024 Progress Indicators for more details.
Research and Innovation
Recognition of Academic Excellence and Leadership in Renewable Energy
Dr. Hanan Albuflasa, from the University of Bahrain, received the “Woman of the Year 2024” award for her outstanding leadership and pioneering contributions to renewable energy research and climate policy. Her recognition reflects the University’s commitment to advancing scientific excellence, sustainability research, and women’s leadership in STEM disciplines.
The award was presented during the inaugural Porsche Woman of the Year Awards 2024, organized by Woman This Month magazine at The Art Hotel & Resort, Amwaj. The event celebrated women leaders across Bahrain who have made significant contributions to their fields, highlighting the nation’s growing recognition of women’s achievements in academia, science, and innovation.
Dr. Albuflasa’s work exemplifies the University of Bahrain’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and gender inclusion, while promoting research that supports national and global sustainability goals. Her leadership continues to inspire students and faculty, reinforcing UoB’s role in shaping future innovators and policy influencers in renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
Relevant SDG 5 Targets and Indicators:
Highlights female leadership and research excellence, contributing to women’s representation and gender equality in STEM and academia.
Teaching and Learning
Empowering Women through Leadership and Knowledge Exchange
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Equal Opportunities Committee at the University of Bahrain organized a seminar titled “Women’s Brilliance: Leadership and Excellence.” The event brought together prominent female leaders and academics to highlight women’s roles in advancing knowledge, leadership, and sustainable development.
Among the speakers were Dr. Naima Hassan Al-Qaseer, a global expert in health and sustainable development, and Prof. Najla Mohammed Al-Alani from the College of Engineering, who discussed women’s rights, recognition, and representation across different cultural and professional contexts.
The seminar underscored the importance of supportive environments, perseverance, and equal opportunities in nurturing women’s achievements at local, regional, and international levels. Through such initiatives, the University of Bahrain strengthens community engagement and promotes inclusive dialogue that empowers women and enhances their participation in leadership, academia, and sustainability.
Relevant SDG 5 Targets and Indicators (Engagement & Leadership):
Women’s access schemes – promoting mentoring, leadership, and networking opportunities for female students and staff.
Increasing the proportion of senior female academics and women in leadership roles within higher education.
Implementing and reinforcing policies of non-discrimination against women.
Establishing women’s mentoring and leadership schemes that enhance participation and empowerment.
Tracking women’s professional and academic progression to close gender gaps in advancement and recognition.
Advancing Women’s Leadership through International Collaboration
The University of Bahrain (UOB) organized a ceremony honoring participants and speakers in the “She Leads” program, conducted in collaboration with the British Higher Education Academy (Advance HE). The program supported 32 women leaders from the public and private sectors in Bahrain and the GCC, alongside faculty members from several national universities.
Through a series of workshops, seminars, and mentorship sessions, the initiative aimed to strengthen women’s leadership skills and promote their active contribution to institutional and national development.
In his remarks, Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al-Ansari, President of UOB, emphasized the University’s commitment to advancing women’s roles in leadership and sustainable development. Meanwhile, Mr. Kristian Rumble, Head of Global Membership at Advance HE, commended UOB’s proactive approach and its exemplary efforts in promoting gender inclusion and empowerment.
The “She Leads” program reflects the University’s broader mission to create equitable pathways for women’s professional growth, fostering a more inclusive and innovative leadership landscape across Bahrain and the region.
Relevant SDG 5 Targets and Indicators (Leadership & Empowerment):
Women’s access schemes (mentoring, scholarships, or other provision):
The program includes structured mentorship and training sessions designed to empower women leaders in academia, public, and private sectors.
Proportion of senior female academics:
By building leadership skills among female faculty and administrators, the initiative contributes to increasing women’s representation in senior academic and management roles.
Policy of non-discrimination against women:
The collaboration reflects institutional commitment to equity and non-discrimination in leadership development opportunities.
Women’s mentoring schemes:
The “She Leads” initiative directly implements a women’s mentoring and leadership development scheme involving more than 10% of female participants from UOB and partner institutions.
Track women’s graduation rate / career progression:
The program supports career advancement tracking for female leaders through follow-up engagement and alumni monitoring.
Engagement (Community and Industry)
Empowering Students and Celebrating Women’s Achievements in the Arts
In celebration of cultural excellence and gender inclusion in the arts, the University of Bahrain Theater Club achieved multiple awards at the Sixth University Theater Festival for Universities and Higher Education Institutions in the GCC. The play “Travelers”, written by Saleh Al-Mannai and directed by Ibrahim Khalfan, received honors including Best Director and Best Female Artist.
This recognition highlights UOB’s encouragement of creative expression and equal participation in cultural activities, fostering students’ artistic, social, and leadership skills while promoting gender balance and representation in the performing arts sector.
Relevant SDG 5 Targets and Indicators (Cultural Engagement & Equal Representation):
Gender Equality: publications / cultural outputs:
Promotes gender representation and recognition in creative and academic outputs, strengthening visibility of women in university-led cultural work.
Women’s application in underrepresented subjects:
Encourages female participation in performing arts, traditionally less represented fields for women in higher education.
Proportion of female degrees awarded:
Contributes indirectly by encouraging women’s continued engagement and success in academic and creative programs leading to degree completion.
Women’s mentoring schemes:
Involves peer mentorship and creative leadership opportunities for female students participating in arts and performance projects.
Promoting Women’s Participation in Underrepresented Fields through Alumni Engagement
The University of Bahrain, through its Alumni Club in collaboration with the Department of Mass Communication, Tourism and Arts at the College of Arts, organized a seminar titled “Inspiring Stories.” The event featured distinguished alumni who shared their professional journeys, highlighted strategies for overcoming challenges, and reflected on their key achievements in the Bahraini labor market and internationally.
Participants included leaders in media, social development, and public relations, providing valuable role models for female students pursuing careers in underrepresented fields. This initiative reinforces the University’s commitment to student access measures, mentorship, and the promotion of equitable opportunities for women, supporting the development of skills, confidence, and professional networks essential for leadership and innovation in diverse sectors.
Relevant SDG 5 Targets and Indicators (Empowerment & Career Development)
Supports student access measures, provides equal opportunity for male and female students to explore non-traditional career fields.
Enhancing Student Career Awareness in the Tourism Sector
The University of Bahrain, through its Career Guidance Office, organizes free workshops and lectures each semester to provide students with insights into career opportunities across growing sectors. One such event, titled “What Are the Career Opportunities Offered by the Tourism Sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain?”, introduced students to the significance of Bahrain’s tourism and hospitality industry, investment strategies by the Economic Development Board, and pathways for graduates to access local and international career prospects.
The seminar, led by Issa Jaafar Mubarak, Director of Media and Communication at the Economic Development Board, and Rayan Yacoub Ahmadi, Director of Sales at Address Beach Resort Bahrain, provided students with practical guidance, professional perspectives, and networking opportunities. These initiatives promote equitable access to knowledge and career readiness, supporting female and male students in exploring roles in underrepresented fields, in line with the University’s commitment to student access measures and inclusive professional development.
Relevant SDG 5 Targets and Indicators (Teaching & Learning / Engagement Category)
Preparing Students for Careers in Bahrain’s Banking and Financial Services Sector
The University of Bahrain, through its Career Guidance Office, organizes free workshops and lectures each semester to equip students with knowledge about emerging career opportunities. One such session, titled “Envisioning the Future of the Financial Services Sector in Bahrain and the Skills Required in the Labor Market,” introduced students to the growing banking and financial services sector and highlighted the skills and academic backgrounds needed for success in this field locally and internationally.
The session was led by Ali Moosa Shafiee, Vice Chairman of Singapore Gulf Bank and EDB board member, and Isa Jaafar Mubarak, Media and Communication Director at the Economic Development Board. Discussions covered the EDB’s role in attracting international companies and banks to Bahrain, as well as insights on the evolving labor market.
These initiatives enhance students’ access to professional guidance, support informed career choices, and foster equitable opportunities for students across disciplines, aligning with the University’s commitment to student access measures and the development of skills for high-demand sectors.
Relevant SDG 5 Targets and Indicators (Teaching & Learning / Engagement Category)
Empowering Students and Community through the 21st Career Day Exhibition
The University of Bahrain inaugurated the 21st Career Day Exhibition at its Sakhir campus, featuring participation from 41 public and private companies and institutions across diverse professional sectors. The event provided students, alumni, and high school visitors with direct exposure to career opportunities, services, and professional pathways aligned with the University’s educational outcomes.
Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al-Ansari, President of UOB, toured the exhibition, emphasizing the University’s commitment to career readiness and workforce engagement. Sponsored by FOULATH Company as the platinum sponsor, along with other supporting organizations, the event reinforced UOB’s role in bridging education with industry, fostering student employability, and promoting equitable access to career guidance for all attendees.
By offering hands-on engagement with potential employers and mentorship opportunities, the Career Day Exhibition exemplifies UOB’s dedication to student access measures, community outreach, and professional development.
Relevant SDG 5 Targets and Indicators:
Provides equitable access to employers and professional pathways for both genders; aligns with student access and mentoring measures.
University of Bahrain Promotes Wellness and Gender Inclusion through Bahrain Sports Day
The University of Bahrain organized Bahrain Sports Day at its Sakhir campus, hosting a vibrant program of sports and recreational activities that engaged more than 600 participants from across the university community. The event brought together students, faculty, and staff in an inclusive and energetic atmosphere that celebrated health, teamwork, and equality.
By organizing Bahrain Sports Day, the University of Bahrain reaffirmed its commitment to creating an inclusive, health-oriented, and gender-balanced learning environment. The event not only celebrated physical fitness but also embodied the principles of equality, participation, and community spirit — reinforcing the University’s role as a model for inclusive engagement and sustainable campus well-being.
Relevant SDG 5 Targets and Indicators:
Promotes gender equality, participation, and inclusion through joint sports activities and mentoring spirit.
Operation / Institutional Arrangement
University of Bahrain Strengthens Gender-Inclusive Academic Collaboration with the Royal University for Women
The University of Bahrain and the Royal University for Women signed a cooperation agreement aimed at deepening academic collaboration and enhancing the exchange of expertise between the two institutions.
The agreement provides a framework for sharing faculty expertise through part-time teaching arrangements, coordinating academic schedules to ensure the continuity of teaching across both universities. It also promotes cooperation in program assessment, professional training, and joint workshops designed to advance faculty and staff development in alignment with the universities’ shared commitment to academic excellence.
Beyond teaching and research, the collaboration extends to the exchange of external examiners, hosting of conferences, and organization of joint student activities that nurture creativity, cultural engagement, and leadership skills. By building bridges between Bahrain’s national university and the leading women’s university, this partnership reinforces the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and mutual advancement within higher education.
Relevant SDG 5 Targets and Indicators (Cultural Engagement & Equal Representation):
Women’s application in underrepresented subjects:
Strengthens access pathways for women through cooperation with the Royal University for Women, supporting their participation in diverse academic disciplines.
Proportion of senior female academics:
Enhances opportunities for female faculty development and cross-institutional teaching, contributing to higher representation of women in academic leadership.
Policy of non-discrimination against women:
Reflects institutional policies promoting equal opportunities in teaching, research, and training between male and female academics.
Women’s mentoring schemes:
Supports mentorship and professional development for academic staff through joint training and workshops.
Progress Indicators (2023–2024)
| Indicator | Data / Statistic | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2 First-Generation Female Students |
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| 5.3 Student Access Measures |
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| 5.4 Senior Female Academics |
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| 5.5 Women Receiving Degrees |
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| 5.6 Women’s Progress Measures | |||||||||||||
Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
The University of Bahrain maintains its leadership in promoting gender inclusion and empowerment across higher education. Institutional policies, gender-balanced representation, and targeted development initiatives reinforce the University’s commitment to equitable access, leadership advancement, and an inclusive academic environment.
Representation and Access
Women comprise 65% of the total student population (19,257 female to 10,368 male), demonstrating strong female participation across disciplines, including STEM and business. Among faculty members, the female-to-male ratio stands at 87:100 (317 women to 365 men), reflecting a near-balanced academic workforce. Leadership and Recognition
The University actively supports women’s professional growth through leadership initiatives such as “She Leads”, mentorship programs, and public engagement events. Recognition of women’s achievements, including the Best Female Artist Award at the GCC University Theatre Festival and the International Women’s Day Seminar, reinforces the University’s inclusive culture and commitment to empowering women in all fields.
Institutional Policies
UoB enforces comprehensive non-discrimination, maternity, and reporting protection policies to ensure a safe and supportive campus environment. These measures are complemented by mentoring and development programs aimed at enhancing career progression for women in academia and administration.
Impact
Through policy implementation, data monitoring, and community-oriented leadership initiatives, the University of Bahrain continues to advance gender equity in higher education. By connecting campus programs with broader societal engagement, UoB ensures that women’s empowerment contributes directly to the Kingdom’s sustainable development vision and supports inclusive growth across all sectors.
