SDG 5: Gender Equality at Ahlia University – Sustainability Report

1. Institutional Commitment to Gender Equality

Ahlia University demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to gender equality through formal policies, governance structures, and leadership advocacy. The University has an official Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policy that explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender (among other characteristics) in admissions, hiring, and campus life ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . This policy guarantees that all students “regardless of color, race, gender, nationality, religion, and physical or learning disability, have the right to the best education” and that selection and advancement are based on merit, creating a discrimination-free learning environmentahlia.edu.bh. For staff, Ahlia commits to equal employment opportunity practices – recruitment and promotions are based on qualifications, experience, and merit – and it will not tolerate any biased or unfair treatment in the workplace ahlia.edu.bh . These policies align with Bahrain’s national framework and the UN SDGs by embedding fairness and inclusivity in all university operations.

To ensure high-level oversight, Ahlia University established an Equal Opportunity Committee (EOC) in 2017 as part of its formal governance structure ahlia.edu.bh . Chaired by the University President, the EOC’s mandate is to “mainstream the culture and practice of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusivity across the University in line with the Bahrain Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal 5” ahlia.edu.bh. This central advisory body reviews policies and practices, promotes gender-responsive policy design, and monitors progress on inclusion and women’s empowerment initiatives. Equal opportunity and women’s empowerment are also explicitly embraced in Ahlia’s core values of Excellence, Inclusiveness, Integrity, Collegiality, Ambition, and Engagement , reflecting a longstanding commitment “since inception” to championing these principles ahlia.edu.bh . The University’s Staff Handbook reinforces these values, noting that all employees are entitled to expect fair and equitable treatment and are responsible for upholding Ahlia’s reputation for fairness at all times ahlia.edu.bh .

Leadership Commitment: The University’s leadership has been vocal in its support for gender equality. In public statements, Ahlia’s senior leadership has affirmed the institution’s dedication to empowering women in all roles. For example, Founding President Prof. Abdulla Y. Al Hawaj highlighted that “at Ahlia University, we…continue our efforts in empowering women as professors, administrators, students, and graduates. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities in all university faculties and departments and to overcoming any obstacles that may hinder the success and aspirations of women.” ahlia.edu.bh. Such statements from the highest levels underscore a clear top-down mandate for gender equity and create an environment where gender equality is a visible institutional priority. The President’s chairing of the Equal Opportunity Committee, as well as the active involvement of other top administrators, further signals that accountability for gender equity is championed at the executive level.

2. Leadership and Representation of Women

Ahlia University strives for balanced representation of women in senior academic and administrative leadership roles. Women hold a number of key positions across the University’s leadership and faculty, contributing to decision-making and strategy. The University reports a “significant representation of women in leadership roles, including positions within the faculty and administration.” Moreover, Ahlia actively supports the advancement of women in academia by providing mentorship and professional development opportunities for female faculty and staff ahlia.edu.bh . This commitment to cultivating women leaders is reflected in a diverse leadership team and a deliberate effort to include women at all levels of decision-making, from department heads and directors to Deans and committee chairs. Such representation not only helps Ahlia meet internal gender parity goals but also serves as a role model for students – demonstrating that women can and do occupy positions of influence in the academic sector.

Strategies to Promote Women’s Advancement: Ahlia University implements targeted strategies and programs to prepare and promote women for leadership roles. The University’s Equal Opportunity Plan calls for measures like professional development, capacity-building, and up-skilling programmes to redress gender imbalance issues , as well as mentorship initiatives ahlia.edu.bh . In practice, Ahlia has organized leadership development seminars specifically focused on women’s leadership. For instance, the University’s HR Directorate and College of Business & Finance hosted a seminar titled “Experience with the Windsor Leadership Trust – Women in Leadership Programme,” led by a female faculty member, to share insights and cultivate leadership skills among women (February 2017) ahlia.edu.bh . Through such seminars and workshops, aspiring female leaders among faculty, staff, and students are able to gain mentorship from experienced leaders, build networks, and enhance their leadership competencies.

In addition, senior leadership demonstrates support by recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women within the institution. Notable accomplishments by female academics and students are highlighted in university publications and events, reinforcing a culture where women’s success is visible. For example, in recent years Ahlia has celebrated stories such as a female researcher (Ms. Zainat Doulari) earning her Master’s with distinction ahlia.edu.bh and female students winning awards in media and film ahlia.edu.bh , as well as women’s active participation in research conferences ahlia.edu.bh . By promoting these success stories, the University not only acknowledges women’s contributions but also encourages more women to pursue leadership, research, and excellence in their fields.

3. Gender Parity in Enrollment and Staffing

Achieving gender parity in student enrollment and staffing is a clear focus for Ahlia University, and the data reflect positive outcomes. Women’s participation in higher education at Ahlia is on par with, or exceeds, that of men. As of recent statistics, the University’s student body is approximately 54% female and 46% male, out of a total student population of about 2,500 ahlia.edu.bh . This female-majority enrollment indicates that Ahlia provides equitable access to education and is successful in attracting and retaining female students across its programs. Importantly, women are encouraged to enroll in all disciplines, including traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering, information technology, and finance. The University explicitly “promotes diversity in enrollment, ensuring that women have opportunities to excel in all areas of study,” which has helped sustain a balanced gender ratio in programs that historically see lower female participation ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh .

To maintain and improve parity, Ahlia University systematically tracks and monitors gender data at each stage of the student lifecycle. Through its Center for Measurement & Evaluation (CME), Ahlia measures women’s application rates, admission (acceptance) rates, and study completion/graduation rates, comparing them to those of male students ahlia.edu.bh . This tracking enables the University to identify any gaps or drop-off points for female students and develop strategies to address them. According to University policies, these monitoring efforts are conducted in a gender-equal manner – male and female students are evaluated under the same academic standards and protections , and all data collection avoids bias ahlia.edu.bh . If any disparity in outcomes (e.g. graduation rates) is observed, the University can respond with targeted support (such as tutoring, advising, or financial aid) to ensure women are not left behind. By using data-driven methods to oversee gender balance and student success, Ahlia demonstrates accountability in upholding SDG 5 within its own student community.

Faculty and Staff Parity: On the staffing side, Ahlia University upholds a strong equal opportunity employment policy to close gender gaps in hiring and promotion. The University’s hiring practices are explicitly merit-based and gender-neutral – “recruitment shall be based on qualifications, experience, and merit” with no discrimination based on gender or other personal factors ahlia.edu.bh . Women are present across academic ranks and administrative roles, and Ahlia strives to ensure that female staff have equal opportunities for advancement. Promotion and performance evaluation processes are governed by principles of fairness and equity, overseen by HR and the Equal Opportunity Committee to guard against bias ahlia.edu.bh .

While specific workforce gender ratios are not published in this report, the narrative evidence suggests that a considerable proportion of Ahlia’s faculty are women and that women hold significant administrative positions ahlia.edu.bh . The University’s self-assessment on women’s empowerment (conducted by the EOC for the period 2016–2020) has helped identify areas for improvement and set targets for increasing female representation if needed ahlia.edu.bh . For example, if a particular department had an underrepresentation of female academics, the University could take steps to encourage more female applicants or support current female lecturers in progressing to higher ranks. By monitoring both student and staff gender metrics and embedding equity in its HR policies, Ahlia University actively works toward gender parity in both enrollment and employment . These efforts are consistent with Bahrain’s national gender equality strategy, which emphasizes equal opportunity in education and the workplace ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh .

4. Gender-Based Support Programs and Initiatives

Ahlia University offers a range of support programs, services, and policies designed to empower female students and staff, ensure their well-being, and accommodate their needs. Key gender-based support initiatives include:

• Mentorship Programs: Ahlia has established a comprehensive mentorship system (the AU Mentorship Programme ) that benefits all students and places special emphasis on inclusivity for female students. Launched in 2023, this program pairs students with experienced mentors from industry, academia, and alumni networks ahlia.edu.bh . Four mentoring tracks are offered – Alumni, Industry, Academic, and Entrepreneur mentorship – all of which are open to “stakeholders of both genders” ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Female students are actively encouraged to participate and are often paired with successful female professionals and entrepreneurs, providing role models in their fields. This initiative helps female students build confidence, professional networks, and leadership skills. In addition, Ahlia has hosted targeted mentorship events such as a Supreme Council for Women (SCW) engineering mentorship session for female engineering students, in which Bahraini women engineers and experts guided Ahlia’s female students on opportunities and challenges in the engineering sector ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Through mentorship, Ahlia ensures that women students have guidance and support as they transition into advanced studies or careers.
• Counseling and Support Services: The University provides robust counseling and advisory services attentive to the needs of female students and staff. The Directorate of Student Counseling & Advising offers free, confidential counseling to all students, with the stated intent to “empower them to achieve their optimum potential” in a safe and respectful environment ahlia.edu.bh . Counselors are trained to handle academic, personal, or social issues – from academic probation to personal difficulties – and they explicitly affirm respect for diversity and mutual respect on campus ahlia.edu.bh . Female students can thus seek support if they face any gender-related challenges or any obstacles to their success. The counseling center’s inclusive philosophy (valuing each student’s dignity and worth) contributes to a supportive campus climate for women. Moreover, Ahlia’s commitment to student well-being extends to physical health: for example, the College of Business & Finance recently organized wellness activities (yoga sessions) specifically for female students and employees to promote stress reduction and mental health ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . These sessions encourage women on campus to prioritize self-care and balance alongside their academic or professional responsibilities.
• Family-Friendly Policies (Maternity/Paternity Support): Ahlia University has adopted family-friendly employment policies that support work-life balance for staff, in particular to benefit women during pregnancy and motherhood. Female employees are entitled to generous maternity leave and related benefits: 60 days of fully paid maternity leave is provided, which can be taken before and/or after delivery as needed ahlia.edu.bh , with the option of an additional 15 days of unpaid leave if required ahlia.edu.bh . During pregnancy, women staff have the right to reduced working hours (up to 2 hours shorter per day) to protect their health, without any salary reduction ahlia.edu.bh . After returning to work post-childbirth, mothers are given two daily breastfeeding breaks (each of not less than one hour) for up to one year, which are counted as part of paid working hours ahlia.edu.bh . These policies significantly help female staff balance their job with new motherhood obligations, reflecting Ahlia’s commitment to work-life balance and competitiveness for women in the workforce ahlia.edu.bh . Men are also supported through a paternity leave provision – new fathers on Ahlia’s staff receive three days of paid leave upon the birth of a child ahlia.edu.bh . By offering paternity leave, the University acknowledges shared family responsibilities and promotes a culture where childcare is not seen solely as a woman’s burden. These provisions, aligned with Bahraini labor laws and best practices, ensure that female employees do not have to choose between career and family, thereby encouraging higher retention and satisfaction of women in the workforce.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: In addition to formal leave policies, Ahlia has introduced flexibility in work arrangements to support employees’ varied needs. The reduction of working hours for pregnant employees is one example of flexible scheduling that accommodates health and family without “conflict with the interests of work” ahlia.edu.bh . Nursing mothers’ breaks are coordinated with supervisors to avoid disruption yet allow needed flexibility in the workday ahlia.edu.bh . While the Staff Handbook primarily details standard working hours, the ethos of fostering “a safe and supportive work environment that ensures work-life balance” ahlia.edu.bh implies that management is receptive to flexible arrangements on a case-by-case basis (such as adjusted schedules or remote work) when it helps employees – especially women – manage their dual roles. The Equal Opportunity Committee’s initiatives explicitly include developing gender-responsive policies for work-life balance ahlia.edu.bh , indicating that Ahlia continually seeks ways to make its workplace more adaptable to the needs of employees with family or personal responsibilities.
• Dedicated Units and Programs for Women: Ahlia’s commitment to women’s empowerment is also evident in dedicated structures and partnerships. The Equal Opportunity Committee (working closely with the Human Resources Directorate) effectively functions as an office advocating for female staff and students, addressing grievances or suggestions related to gender issues. The University also collaborates with external bodies like the Supreme Council for Women and other organizations to run programs for female empowerment (examples of which are detailed in the next section). Internally, events such as Bahraini Women’s Day celebrations and women-focused workshops are organized annually, often led by senior management or female role models, creating an institutional culture that values and celebrates its women members ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . In summary, through mentorship, counseling, family-friendly policies, and inclusive programs, Ahlia University provides a strong support system that enables female students and employees to thrive academically and professionally.

5. Campus Safety and Anti-Harassment Measures

Ensuring a safe campus environment free from gender-based violence, harassment, or discrimination is a cornerstone of Ahlia University’s approach to gender equality. The University has strict anti-harassment policies and enforcement mechanisms in place to protect all community members, especially women, from any form of harassment or abuse. Ahlia’s codes of conduct make it unequivocal that “harassment in all its manifestations is prohibited” on campus ahlia.edu.bh . This prohibition covers sexual harassment, bullying, and any intimidating or hostile behavior directed at someone because of their gender (or other protected characteristics). The policy applies broadly – not only to in-person interactions but also to electronic communications and online behavior. In fact, Ahlia’s IT usage policy explicitly states that university policies against sexual or other harassment “apply fully to the e-mail system,” and that no electronic messages may contain intimidating, hostile, or offensive content related to sex or other protected traits ahlia.edu.bh . Any violation of these harassment policies – whether occurring in classrooms, offices, or online – is grounds for disciplinary action “up to and including discharge” (for staff) or equivalent sanctions for students ahlia.edu.bh . This strong stance sends a clear message that harassment is not tolerated and will be met with serious consequences.

Training and Awareness: All members of the University community are made aware of these expectations through orientation programs and published guidelines. The University mandates that faculty, staff, and students adhere to the Code of Ethics and the Anti-Harassment Policy, emphasizing respectful conduct at all times ahlia.edu.bh . Periodic workshops on professional ethics and reporting procedures are provided, often via the HR Directorate or Student Affairs, to ensure everyone knows how to recognize harassment and respond appropriately. For example, supervisors and managers are instructed to maintain a workplace free from offensive or inappropriate behavior and to take prompt action if issues arise ahlia.edu.bh . Likewise, students are informed (via the Student Handbook and counseling services) about what constitutes harassment and how to report any incidents. By fostering awareness and education, Ahlia cultivates a campus culture where bystander intervention and support for victims are encouraged.

Reporting Mechanisms and Support for Victims: Ahlia University has clear channels for reporting harassment or discrimination, and it provides support to those who come forward. Victims or witnesses of gender-based violence/harassment can report incidents to their immediate supervisor, the Human Resources Department, or the Dean of Student Affairs (for student issues) in confidence ahlia.edu.bh . The University ensures that complaints are taken seriously and investigated impartially. Importantly, Ahlia enforces a non-retaliation policy to protect individuals who report grievances. As stated in policy documents, “Ahlia prohibits employees or students from being retaliated against” for filing a complaint in good faith, even if an investigation does not find the complaint substantiated ahlia.edu.bh . Only if someone knowingly makes a false allegation would there be consequences – otherwise, the complainant is shielded from any form of punishment or backlash ahlia.edu.bh . This guarantees that women (and others) can raise concerns about harassment or discrimination without fear, which is critical for an environment of trust.

Once a complaint is filed, the University’s Anti-Harassment and Grievance Procedure is triggered. A confidential investigation is conducted, often involving an internal committee or the Legal Affairs & Compliance Unit, to determine the facts. If the allegations are confirmed, disciplinary actions are taken against the perpetrator in line with the severity of the offense – ranging from mandatory counseling and warnings up to termination of employment or expulsion of a student ahlia.edu.bh . In tandem, victims are offered counseling and any necessary accommodations (e.g. adjustments to work duties or class schedules if needed to avoid contact with the perpetrator). The overall goal is not only to punish wrongdoing but also to prevent future incidents by addressing root causes and educating the community. Ahlia’s commitment to a safe campus is further reflected in its Safety Pocket Guide and regular safety drills, ensuring that both women and men on campus feel secure and supported. Through these policies and measures, Ahlia University aligns with global best practices to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment in the university setting, fostering a learning and working environment where everyone’s dignity is respected.

6. Community Engagement and Gender Equality Education

Beyond its internal policies and programs, Ahlia University actively engages with the wider community to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. The period 2019–2024 saw numerous educational events, outreach initiatives, and partnerships that underline Ahlia’s role as a leader in advancing SDG 5 in Bahrain and beyond. Some of the most significant community engagement and educational activities include:

• Equal Opportunity Conferences: Ahlia University has hosted high-profile conferences on equal opportunities and women’s empowerment in collaboration with international and national partners. Notably, the University organized the Fourth Equal Opportunity Conference (c. 2021) under the patronage of H.E. Fawzia Bint Abdulla Zainal (Speaker of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives, and a pioneer of women’s empowerment in the region) ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . This conference – jointly convened by Ahlia and Brunel University London – focused on “Health, Education, Law and Business” as critical domains for gender equality, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . It provided a platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss how to sustain and advance equal opportunities in a changing world. The event highlighted Bahrain’s progress and good practices in women’s empowerment (under the guidance of the Supreme Council for Women) and facilitated cross-sector dialogue on maintaining momentum toward gender equality ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Ahlia invited participants from Equal Opportunity Committees of various ministries and organizations to enrich the discussions, exemplifying its convening role in the national gender dialogue ahlia.edu.bh . Building on this, Ahlia also hosted the Fifth Equal Opportunity Conference in 2022, again with Brunel University, themed “Partnership, Fairness & Competitiveness,” which continued to foster international academic collaboration on SDG 5 ahlia.edu.bh . These conferences demonstrate Ahlia’s leadership in knowledge exchange on gender issues and its commitment to involve the broader community in these important conversations.
• Women in Entrepreneurship Initiatives: Ahlia University, through its Ahlia Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE), has run several programs to encourage and celebrate women entrepreneurs in Bahrain. For example, the University’s Entrepreneurship Day events have in multiple years spotlighted female entrepreneurship. The 4th Ahlia Entrepreneurship Day (2019) was dedicated to “Woman Entrepreneurship – The Entrepreneurship Journey Towards Success” ahlia.edu.bh . Organized in collaboration with Ahlia’s Equal Opportunity Committee and ACE, this event coincided with Global Entrepreneurship Week and featured successful Bahraini women entrepreneurs sharing their startup stories ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Objectives of these events included supporting Bahrainis (women included) in turning ideas into reality and inspiring innovation in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 ahlia.edu.bh . Similarly, Ahlia’s “Stories Studio: The Startup Journey” workshop (Oct 2019) was a women-centric entrepreneurship talk hosted on campus to mentor and inspire aspiring female entrepreneurs among students ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Through such events, Ahlia connects women students with industry role models and resources, helping to bridge academia with the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The University also inked collaboration agreements with public and private sector institutions to provide female students with training opportunities in various professional fields ahlia.edu.bh . By partnering with companies and organizations, Ahlia ensures that women students gain internship and training placements that can jump-start their careers in non-traditional sectors.
• Celebration of National Women’s Day: Each year, Ahlia University joins Bahrain’s national celebration of Bahraini Women’s Day (observed on December 1st) by holding on-campus events that honor the contributions of Bahraini women. For instance, in 2018 Ahlia’s President invited all faculty and staff to a special event for Bahraini Women’s Day 2018ahlia.edu.bh, and in 2021 the University similarly marked the occasion, affirming its appreciation for the role of women in the university and society ahlia.edu.bh . These events often involve guest speakers (e.g. successful alumnae or female leaders in Bahrain), panel discussions, and award ceremonies recognizing women’s achievements. By celebrating Bahraini Women’s Day, Ahlia reinforces cultural recognition of women’s accomplishments and aligns itself with national efforts led by the Supreme Council for Women to highlight women’s roles in various sectors each year (the theme can vary, such as Women in Engineering, Women in Judiciary, etc.). For example, when the SCW dedicated a year’s theme to women in engineering, Ahlia’s College of Engineering hosted an interactive session in partnership with SCW to discuss opportunities for female engineers ahlia.edu.bh . These activities strengthen Ahlia’s ties with national women’s institutions and spread awareness of gender equality beyond the campus.
• Partnerships with the Supreme Council for Women (SCW): Ahlia University actively collaborates with the SCW – Bahrain’s leading governmental body for women’s empowerment – on multiple initiatives. As noted, SCW has co-organized mentorship sessions and participated in Ahlia’s conferences. The University, in turn, supports SCW campaigns and policy recommendations. In a public message commemorating the SCW’s founding anniversary, Ahlia’s President praised the Council’s achievements in elevating Bahraini women to top leadership positions and affirmed that “at Ahlia University, we draw inspiration from the [SCW’s] activities to continue our efforts in empowering women… ensuring equal opportunities in all university faculties and departments” ahlia.edu.bh. Ahlia’s alignment with SCW’s national strategy is also evident in its Equal Opportunity Committee’s coordination with national policy – the EOC’s purpose explicitly cites Bahrain Vision 2030 and the SCW’s goals as guiding frameworks ahlia.edu.bh . Moreover, Ahlia participates in SCW-led programs such as the Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women Empowerment (where institutions are recognized for contributions to women’s advancement). While specific outcomes of these partnerships are confidential, Ahlia’s sustained engagement with SCW ensures that the University’s gender initiatives complement and amplify national efforts.
• Global and Regional Networks: On an international level, Ahlia University has shown leadership by contributing to global gender equality pledges and networks. Ahlia is a founding member of the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN) , a consortium of over 20 universities worldwide, and played a key role in formulating the network’s Gender Equality Pledge ahlia.edu.bh. By championing this pledge, Ahlia helped commit member institutions to improving gender balance in STEM fields and leadership, sharing best practices across countries. This involvement not only raises Ahlia’s profile in global sustainability discussions but also brings back international insights to implement on campus. Regionally, Ahlia has positioned itself as one of the top Arab universities in advancing SDG 5 – for example, it was ranked among the leaders in the Times Higher Education Arab World rankings for gender equality performance (ranked #1 in Bahrain and highly globally in past Impact Rankings) ahlia.edu.bh knowledgee.com . This reputation has led to cross-border collaborations, such as joint research on women’s issues in the Gulf and student exchange opportunities that particularly empower female students (e.g. exchange programs with Brunel University, UK, which Ahlia notes are open equally to both genders) ahlia.edu.bh .
• Research and Advocacy: Faculty and students at Ahlia contribute scholarly research on gender equality and women’s empowerment, which in turn informs policy and public understanding. Ahlia’s Sustainable Development Plan (2021–2025) commits to increasing research output in areas including gender equality ahlia.edu.bh . Already, the university has produced studies on topics like women’s leadership in business, gender and media, and the impact of entrepreneurship programs on women in Bahrain ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Additionally, Ahlia regularly hosts seminars and public lectures on gender-related topics – for example, panels on women in media or women’s health – often inviting community members to attend. Through its Community Engagement Office and student clubs, the University also runs campaigns to raise awareness on issues such as women’s rights, gender-based violence prevention, and the importance of women in STEM. These educational campaigns (sometimes timed with international observances like International Women’s Day or 16 Days of Activism) help disseminate key messages to the broader community, including high school students and families, thereby extending Ahlia’s impact on societal attitudes toward gender equality.

By integrating community engagement into its SDG 5 efforts, Ahlia University not only enriches its own campus environment but also serves as a catalyst for gender equality in the society it serves. The period 2019–2024 shows a consistent pattern of outreach – from high-level conferences and partnerships to grassroots workshops and celebrations – all aimed at empowering women and educating the public. This aligns with Ahlia’s mission “to elevate the social and living standards of society” ahlia.edu.bh and cements its role as an active contributor to Sustainable Development Goal 5 well beyond its campus gates.

7. Alignment with UN SDG 5 Targets

Ahlia University’s actions and initiatives in the realm of gender equality are closely aligned with specific targets of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) . The University consciously integrates the UN SDG framework into its strategy, ensuring that its programs contribute to measurable global targets under SDG 5 ahlia.edu.bh . Below is an overview of how Ahlia’s efforts map onto key SDG 5 targets:

• Target 5.1 (End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere): Ahlia addresses this target through its robust non-discrimination policies and equitable practices. The University has a formal policy of non-discrimination against women, guaranteeing equal rights in admissions, hiring, and promotion ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . By enforcing an admissions process where “the most qualified candidates – regardless of … gender – are selected” and a workplace free of gender bias ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh , Ahlia actively works to eliminate discriminatory barriers. These institutional policies serve as “enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality,” which echoes SDG target 5.c as well (adopting strong policies for gender empowerment) ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . In essence, Ahlia’s governance framework creates an environment where women and men are treated equally under the University’s rules, thus contributing to ending gender discrimination in the context of higher education.
• Target 5.2 (Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including harassment): Ahlia University’s campus safety and anti-harassment measures align with this target by working to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment within the university community. The anti-harassment policies, which forbid sexual harassment and provide support and justice for victims, directly contribute to creating a safe environment for women ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . By training staff and students on respectful behavior and swiftly sanctioning any form of harassment, the University helps ensure that women on campus are free from the threat of violence or coercion. This is a localized fulfillment of target 5.2, demonstrating zero tolerance for gender-based violence in an educational setting. Furthermore, Ahlia’s cooperation with national efforts (like Bahrain’s laws on domestic violence and the SCW’s campaigns) means its community outreach also raises awareness to prevent violence against women in society at large ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh .
• Target 5.5 (Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making): The University has made concrete strides toward this target by promoting women’s participation in leadership within the institution and preparing women for leadership in external spheres . Internally, Ahlia ensures women are represented in management and academic leadership roles (department chairs, directors, etc.) and provides mentorship and professional development to help women advance in their careers ahlia.edu.bh . This reflects SDG indicator 5.5.2, which measures the proportion of women in managerial positions – a metric where Ahlia’s performance is notable given the number of women in senior roles at the University ahlia.edu.bh . Externally, through leadership training programs, conferences, and partnerships, Ahlia equips female students and graduates to take on leadership roles in their professions and communities. For example, Ahlia’s focus on women in entrepreneurship and the SCW mentorship for female engineering students contribute to women’s effective participation in economic and public life, corresponding to SDG indicator 5.5.1 (women in parliament/local government, by building the pipeline of empowered women) ahlia.edu.bh . The University’s alignment with target 5.5 is explicitly recognized: Ahlia’s sustainability initiative description cites the goal of “ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels” as a guiding objective ahlia.edu.bh . The evidence of women thriving at Ahlia – from female valedictorians to women-led research projects – underscores that the University is fostering the next generation of women leaders in line with SDG 5.5.
• Target 5.4 (Recognize and value unpaid care and promote shared responsibility within the household): While primarily a societal target, Ahlia contributes indirectly by implementing family-friendly policies that enable women (and men) to balance work and family. The maternity leave, nursing breaks, and paternity leave policies encourage a more equitable sharing of childcare responsibilities ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . By accommodating motherhood in the workplace and acknowledging fathers’ roles, Ahlia upholds the spirit of target 5.4, supporting women so that caregiving does not impede their career progression. These measures, combined with flexible scheduling for new mothers ahlia.edu.bh , exemplify how institutions can value care work and prevent it from becoming a barrier to women’s full participation in the workforce.
• Target 5.c (Adopt and strengthen policies and legislation for gender equality): Ahlia University is a model of how an organization can institute comprehensive policies to advance gender equality. The creation of the Equal Opportunity Committee and the adoption of the Equity & Diversity Policy are concrete actions that align with target 5.c ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . By embedding gender equality into its strategic plan (the University Sustainable Development Plan 2021–2025) and reporting on progress annually, Ahlia continually strengthens its institutional framework for gender equity ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . The University also contributes to policy development beyond its walls – for instance, its involvement in crafting the WTUN Gender Equality Pledge influences other universities to adopt similar commitments ahlia.edu.bh . In Bahrain, Ahlia’s collaboration with the Supreme Council for Women helps to inform and implement national policies on women’s empowerment. These efforts resonate strongly with target 5.c’s call for sound policies and enforcement mechanisms promoting gender equality at all levels.

Overall, Ahlia University’s gender-related initiatives from 2019 to 2024 show a holistic alignment with UN SDG 5. The University not only meets the specific indicators (such as female enrollment ratio and presence of non-discrimination policies) but also embraces the broader spirit of SDG 5 by embedding gender equality into its culture, education, and community impact. As noted in Ahlia’s own sustainability statements, this commitment ties into other SDGs as well – by promoting gender equality (SDG 5), the University also supports Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), creating a more inclusive academic environment for all ahlia.edu.bh . Ahlia’s high ranking in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for SDG 5 (placing among the top global universities in recent years) is a testament to how effectively the University’s actions mirror the UN targets timeshighereducation.com knowledgee.com . Going forward, Ahlia University pledges to continue these efforts, innovate new solutions for persistent gender gaps, and serve as a beacon for gender equality in higher education – locally in Bahrain, regionally in the Arab world, and internationally through its global engagements.