Operations and Institutional Arrangement
SDG 5: Focus Areas
5.6.6 Women’s Mentoring Scheme
Does your university as a body have women’s mentoring schemes, in which at least 10% of female students participate?
The University of Bahrain promotes gender equity through structured mentoring schemes designed to guide and support students, particularly female students, throughout their academic and career journeys. These mentoring mechanisms help create an inclusive environment that empowers women and ensures equitable access to both academic progression and career development opportunities.
Academic Advising:
- Academic Advising is a key component, whereby faculty members are assigned as academic advisors to provide individual guidance following the UOB Academic Advising Regulation . This system is integrated within the Student Information System (SIS), enabling advisors to access real-time data on enrolment, performance, attendance, and academic progress, as well as communicate directly with their advisees. Available data shows that more than 50% of participants are females.
Career Counselling:
- Career Counselling supports students and new graduates in transitioning into the labour market. Through various programs, such as the CV Submission Service, Nomination Service, On-Campus Recruitment Program, and the Annual Career Fair, students receive tailored support that enhances their employability and expands access to job opportunities. Together, these mentoring mechanisms contribute to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers female students and promotes equal access to academic and career advancement.
The graph titled “Gender-Based Participation in Career Counselling Programs and Workshops” shows that 71% of participants are female, while only 29% are male. This means that a substantial majority of those benefiting from mentoring and career counseling at UOB are women—far exceeding the 10% threshold required by THE Impact Ranking.
Unit for Teaching Excellence and Leadership (UTEL):
The Unit for Teaching Excellence and Leadership (UTEL) at the University of Bahrain actively supports SDG 5 by promoting gender equity in professional development and academic advancement. Through accredited programs recognized by Advanced HE (UK), UTEL ensures equal access for women and men to high-quality training in teaching and leadership. The unit delivers workshops, seminars, and tailored support that empower faculty—particularly women—to enhance their skills and progress in their careers. By fostering inclusive participation, encouraging research in teaching and learning, and collaborating with local and international partners, UTEL contributes to creating equitable opportunities across the higher education sector in Bahrain.
The participation rate in UTEL programs in 2024 shows that females constituted 68% of participants, compared to 32% males.
Conclusion:
UOB’s mentoring schemes are inclusive and highly effective in engaging female students:
- Both academic advising and career counselling programs are open to all students, with female participation consistently above 50%.
- In career counselling programs and workshops, female participation reaches 71%, confirming that UOB’s schemes are not only available but widely accessed by women.
- UTEL’s professional development programs further demonstrate UOB’s commitment to gender equity, with women making up 68% of participants in 2024.
