Equal Opportunity
Ahlia University
What do we do about inclusiveness?
We champion inclusivity, diversity, and equity both within and outside the institution. We strive to mainstream the principle of equal opportunity in all our operations, and in relation to all stakeholders.
In 2017, Ahlia University established an Equal Opportunity Committee as part of the university’s formal governance structure. The committee is chaired by the President and oversees/advises on all issues relating to the principle of equal opportunity.
EOC Purpose
Equal Opportunity Committee
EOC Membership
- President (Chairperson)
- Dean of Student Affairs
- Executive Director for Communications and International Relations
- President Assistant of Media, Marketing and Public Relations
- Director of Human Resources
- Female Faculty Representatives
- Committee Secretary
EOC Current Members

Prof. Mansoor Alaali
President (Chairperson)

Dr. Faisal Al Showaikh
Dean of Student Affairs

Dr. Ammar Abdulla Yusuf Al Hawaj
Executive Director for Communications and International Relations

Dr. Thaira Alshirawi
President Assistant of Media, Marketing and Public Relations

Ms. Luma Jassim
Director of Human Resources, Committee Secretary

Dr. May Al Saffar
Female Faculty Representatives

Ms. Maryam Althawadi
Female Faculty Representatives
2016-2020 Equal Opportunity Plan
Equal Opportunity Plan Aims
- To promote the principle of equal opportunity through gender-responsive policy design that achieves coherent linkage with the national legislative/policy framework within the context of multilevel (international, nationally, organisational) policy frameworks on inclusion, equal opportunity and women empowerment.
- To empower women by integrating their needs in development programmes.
- To foster a safe and supportive work environment that ensures work-life balance, life-long learning, and competitiveness for women.
- To collaborate with allies and partners to mainstream the culture of equal opportunity to society at large.
- To support national strategies as a progressive and model organisation for women.
Develop a systematic and sustainable approach to equal opportunity and women empowerment through institutionalisation of practice.
- Create a centralised advisory body to oversee progress and institutionalise practice
- Employ a targeted approach vis-à-vis professional development, capacity-building, and up-skilling programmes to redress gender imbalance issues
Leverage partnerships for knowledge sharing and exchange of best practice in the areas of equal opportunity and women empowerment.
- Organise conferences/symposia with a focus on equal opportunity and/or women topics
- Develop a common understanding and framework with local and international partners on topics related to equal opportunity and women in STEM
Champion the principle of equal opportunity through awareness campaigns, activities, and events.
- Plan and organise women-focused events for students and staff
- Develop gender-responsive policies that foster work-life balance and life-long learning
- Develop and utilise data collection instruments to gauge and measure awareness/impact
Empowering Women Facts & Figures
In line with our core values, from inclusiveness to integrity, the Equal Opportunity Committee at Ahlia University has recently conducted a self-evaluation exercise in relation to women empowerment and equal opportunity at the University.
The results published cover the period 2016-20, in line with the former institutional strategic plan 2016-20.
We look forward to achieving new milestones as we work to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and continue our efforts to mainstream the principle of equal opportunity throughout the university and beyond.
Partnership Platform United Nations Sustainability Initiative
Ahlia University (AU) considers social responsibility and sustainability to be cornerstones of all university operations and strategies. Sustainability, in particular, is embedded across the entire university Strategic Plan 2021-25, covering all core functions from teaching-learning, research, to community. AU is committed to working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through knowledge discover and dissemination in various research domains including quality education, equal opportunities and sustainable growth. We aim to inculcate and integrate SDG concepts in all our curriculua and programmatic provision. In order to create a substantive and meaningful impact, Ahlia welcomes partnership with national and international organisations tackling UNSDGs.
To find out more about Ahlia’s progress on actions related to UNSDGs, visit our page on the United Nations Partnership Platform.