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Goal 3 / 3.3 / 3.3.4

University Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Students

SDG 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Ahlia University firmly recognizes that the health and wellbeing of its community are fundamental pillars for achieving academic excellence, sustainable development, and social prosperity. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 — Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages — the university has integrated health promotion, mental wellness, and preventive care as essential components of its institutional strategy. The university’s commitment extends beyond compliance with health and safety regulations; it seeks to foster a holistic environment that supports both physical and psychological wellbeing among students, faculty, and staff. Through its on-campus health clinic, continuous awareness campaigns, mental health counselling services, and partnerships with national health authorities, Ahlia University ensures accessible, inclusive, and high-quality health services for all members of its community. Moreover, AU actively promotes a culture of wellness through education, research, and community engagement. Health-related topics are embedded across various programs, encouraging students to develop a lifelong awareness of healthy lifestyles, social responsibility, and sustainability. By cultivating an environment where wellbeing is valued as a shared responsibility, Ahlia University contributes not only to SDG 3 but also to the broader vision of building a resilient and healthy society within the Kingdom of Bahrain and beyond.

3.3.4 Does your university as a body provide students access to sexual and reproductive health-care services including information and education services?

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy and Anti-Harassment Framework

Ahlia University’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy provides a strong institutional foundation to ensure that all students can safely access sexual and reproductive health services without fear of discrimination or stigma. The policy supports confidentiality, inclusivity, and gender equity in all health-related interactions and educational initiatives, aligning with global best practices and ethical standards in student health management.

Equity and Diversity Policy of Ahlia University

Ahlia University is committed to maintaining equity among its diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. The University ensures equitable and respectful treatment based on the following definitions:

Diversity

Appreciation and acknowledgement of differences among members of the university community that promote acceptance and belonging, regardless of age, color, disability, employment status, ethnicity, language, family or marital status, race, religion, gender, socio-economic background, and more.

Equity

A standard of treatment involving fairness in decisions affecting the university community. Equity does not necessarily mean equal treatment, as interests must be balanced fairly.

I. Equity and Diversity Among Students

All students, regardless of race, religion, disability, or other factors, have the right to quality education. Admission is merit-based. Ahlia promotes a discrimination-free academic and social environment for all students.

II. Equity and Diversity Among Staff

Ahlia ensures a safe, fair, and inclusive workplace, free from harassment or discrimination. Recruitment is based on qualifications and merit. Managers must ensure fairness in evaluations, compensation, and task assignments. The University enforces adherence to codes of conduct and an Anti-Harassment Policy.

Equal Opportunity

What do we do about inclusiveness? EOC Purpose

Ahlia champions equal opportunity and women empowerment, guided by core values: excellence, inclusiveness, integrity, collegiality, ambition, and engagement. 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:** To mainstream the culture and practice of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusivity across the University in line with the Bahrain Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Equal Opportunity Plan Aims

  • Promote equal opportunity through gender-responsive policy aligned with national/international frameworks.
  • Empower women by integrating their needs in development programs.
  • Ensure a safe, supportive work environment with work-life balance and lifelong learning.
  • Collaborate with partners to promote equal opportunity in society.
  • Support national strategies as a model organization for women.

Initiative 1

  • Institutionalize equal opportunity and women empowerment practices.
  • Establish a centralized advisory body.
  • Provide professional development and upskilling for women.

Initiative 2

  • Build partnerships for knowledge sharing and best practices.
  • Organize conferences on equal opportunity and women’s issues.
  • Develop frameworks with partners, especially in STEM.

Initiative 3

  • Promote equal opportunity through awareness events and campaigns.
  • Host women-focused activities for students and staff.
  • Create gender-responsive policies for work-life balance and learning.
  • Collect data to measure impact and awareness.

Ahlia University provides a space for its administrative staff and students to learn about their equal opportunities.

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.

Equity and diversity

Ahlia University, as a higher educational institution, is dedicated to upholding equity within its diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, in accordance with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Sustainable Development Goals. This commitment aligns with Goal 4, which focuses on quality education, Goal 5, which promotes gender equality, and Goal 10, which aims to reduce inequalities. The university ensures that all individuals within its community are treated fairly and respectfully, following the principles outlined below.

Diversity

Appreciation and acknowledgement of differences amongst the members of the university community that promote acceptance and belonging, regardless of factors that span age, color, disability, employment status, ethnic or national origins, language, family status, marital status, race, religious or spiritual belief, gender, socio-economic circumstances and taste.

Equity

A standard of treatment of people that involves reasonable efforts to ensure fairness in decisions impacting all members of the university community. However, equitable treatment does not necessary mean equal treatment as a range of interests impacting all parties need be balanced.

Equity and Diversity Among Staff

Ahlia University strives to treat its staff fairly by maintaining a healthy, safe and productive work environment which is free from discrimination based on any other factor that is unrelated to Ahlia legitimate interests. Ahlia University shall not tolerate any offensive, intimidating or inappropriate statements or behavior undermining equity in the work environment. Harassment in all its manifestations is prohibited. Committed to applying an effective recruitment policy that is based on the principles of equity and fairness, and equal employment opportunity, Ahlia University shall ensure to identify, efficiently and effectively, the right candidates for vacancies in Ahlia and recruitment shall be based on qualifications, experience, and merit. Supervisors and managers are expected to ensure that work-related decisions regarding task allocation, compensation, performance evaluations, the administration of Ahlia benefits et. al. reflect principles of fairness and equity.

Reproductive and Sexual Health Clinic at AU

Students receiving medical checks at the clinic

Ahlia University operates a dedicated clinic for sexual and reproductive health services, tailored especially for female students and employees (including pregnant individuals). Monthly appointments are overseen by qualified healthcare professionals, reflecting the institution’s commitment to holistic health services within the campus community. A health clinic is located in the third floor and is staffed by a full-time nurse who is responsible for providing medical first aid services. During emergencies that cannot be addressed by the nurse, the nurse will arrange for the student to be taken by ambulance to the adjacent health center or in more serious cases to the nearest hospital. Ahlia University boasts a comprehensive healthcare system to cater to the well-being of its community members. This includes a general clinic that offers essential first-aid services to address immediate healthcare needs. In addition to this, the university has established specialized clinics dedicated exclusively to providing sexual and reproductive health services, with a particular focus on the needs of female employees and students, including pregnant individuals. A dedicated healthcare professional oversees these specialized clinics, ensuring that regular monthly appointments are available to provide necessary care, guidance, and support. This commitment to specialized healthcare services underscores the university's dedication to the holistic health and welfare of its diverse community.

Academic and Educational Integration of SRH Topics

Course Description for Equal Opportunities in Public Life

Ahlia University integrates themes related to gender equality, public health, and reproductive rights within its curriculum and extracurricular activities. Courses and seminars emphasize awareness of health education, community service, and sustainable development, providing students with scientific and ethical knowledge to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. The course Equal Opportunities in Public Life (EOPL 112) is one example, familiarizing students with gender equality, empowering women, and reviewing relevant legislation in line with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Events

Equal Opportunity Conference and Awareness Sessions
Photo from the 3rd Equal Opportunities Conference

Through events such as the Equal Opportunity Conference, Ahlia University provides platforms for academic discussion on gender equality, women’s rights, and access to healthcare - key aspects of reproductive and sexual health. These sessions include expert-led talks on reproductive rights, wellness, and empowerment, aimed at raising awareness among students and staff about informed health choices and gender-sensitive healthcare practices.

Think Pink
Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Poster 2019

In collaboration with Al-Kindi Hospital, the Director of Student Services & Activities organized the ’Think Pink’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign at the theater hall. The aim of this event was to support the effort in raising breast cancer awareness, education, and care.

The program was included in the following activities:

  • Awareness Lecture.
  • Free medical tests (weight, blood sugar, BMI).
  • Consultation with a nutritionist.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness Event Poster 2022

We are pleased to invite you to attend Brest Cancer Awareness “Think Pink” on Tuesday 25th of October 2022 at Ahlia University – Mezannine.

Breast Cancer Awareness Multimedia Product Design Hakathon
Breast Cancer Awareness Multimedia Product Design Hackathon Banner

Ahlia University, College of Information Technology Multimedia Science Department is calling for its First Multimedia Awareness Competition. The competition awards the best work being done for the Multimedia Product Design under the topic “Breast Cancer Awareness”.

Objectives:
  • To encourage the IT students to conduct hands-on projects and combine different fields.
  • To pave the way for employability or entrepreneurship.
  • To create awareness on potential Multimedia tools.
  • To nourish the creative thinking of students.
  • To instill the educational skills on community engagement.
Eligibility:
  • Ahlia IT College students and alumni are eligible to participate.
  • Only one entry is allowed per participant which can be individual or in a group.
  • A group entry can have 2 to 4 students.
Criteria:

The following criteria are considered to choose the best Multimedia Products:

  • Originality
  • Creativity
  • Relevance to the topic
  • Organization of the content
  • Design
  • Language Mechanics

Best multimedia products will be awarded with prizes and certificate of appreciation will be issued to all the participants.

All the entries and registration can be forwarded to Ms. Sara Al Swad at [email protected]

TOGETHER S.A.F.E” CAMPAIGN
Student speaking at the TOGETHER S.A.F.E Campaign event

The event was an opportunity for the team to promote their campaign outside of the university and to convey their message of love, peace and social tolerance to the whole community.

References

The following table:

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