SDG5: Gender Equality
No Discrimination Policy and Women Empowerment in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant strides in promoting gender equality and empowering women within its society. The government has implemented a range of policies aimed at eliminating discrimination and enhancing the status of women across various sectors.
No Discrimination Policy
Legal Framework: The UAE has established a strong legal framework to combat discrimination based on gender. The Constitution guarantees equality before the law, and various federal laws protect against gender-based discrimination in employment, education, and public life.
Anti-Discrimination Laws: The UAE has enacted laws that explicitly prohibit discrimination, including the Federal Decree-Law on Combating Discrimination and Hate Speech. These laws promote a culture of tolerance and inclusivity, emphasizing respect for all individuals.
Women Empowerment Initiatives
Leadership and Representation: The UAE government has actively promoted women's participation in leadership roles. Women hold key positions in various sectors, including politics, business, and academia. For instance, the UAE has appointed women to significant roles in government, including the Federal National Council.
Economic Participation: Initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s economic participation include access to financial resources, support for women entrepreneurs, and programs that promote skill development. This has led to an increase in women-owned businesses and greater representation in the workforce.
Education and Training: The UAE places a strong emphasis on education for women and girls, ensuring equal access to quality education. Various programs are in place to encourage female students to pursue careers in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Social Support Programs: The government has introduced various social programs aimed at supporting women, including health services, family support initiatives, and campaigns to raise awareness about gender equality.
SDG 5: Gender Equality at Al Ain University
Al Ain University (AAU) is dedicated to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5). The university's initiatives include:
Equal Opportunities: AAU ensures equal opportunities for all students and staff, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. The university actively supports women in academic and administrative roles, encouraging their leadership development.
Women’s Empowerment Programs: The university organizes workshops, seminars, and events focused on women’s empowerment, leadership, and professional development. These initiatives provide women with the skills and confidence to excel in their careers.
Research on Gender Issues: AAU engages in research that addresses gender-related issues and promotes understanding of women's rights and empowerment. Faculty and students are encouraged to explore topics related to gender equality in their research projects.
Supportive Environment: The university provides support services, including counseling and mentorship programs, to empower female students. This environment fosters personal and academic growth, enabling women to thrive in their educational pursuits.
Community Engagement: AAU collaborates with local organizations and initiatives that promote gender equality and women's rights. By participating in community outreach, the university contributes to broader societal efforts to achieve gender equality.
Conclusion
The UAE's commitment to eliminating discrimination and empowering women is reflected in its robust legal framework and various initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality. Al Ain University plays a vital role in this mission through its dedication to SDG 5, fostering an inclusive environment that supports women's education, leadership, and empowerment. Through these efforts, AAU contributes to the broader goal of achieving gender equality and enhancing the status of women in society.
AAU Values
Diversity
Teaching, Learning and working with people from a variety of backgrounds encourages collaboration and fosters innovation, thereby benefitting all those involved. It enriches the educational experience and promotes personal growth and a healthy society. AAU is committed to welcoming the world through our open enrolment and employment policy.
Excellence
For AAU, excellence is a multidimensional concept that is practiced in governance, teaching, research and community engagement. Global university ranking is also considered as one of the main carriers of excellence.
Respect
We respect and honor the dignity of each person, embrace civil discourse, and safe community. As well as the unique qualities of our traditions and culture.
Integrity
AAU acts with integrity in accordance with the highest academic, professional, and ethical standards. AAU embraces the values of honesty, fairness and respect in creating and disseminating all institutional work, and in conducting all of our academic and professional activities.
Harassment or Discrimination
Al Ain University upholds the principle that all individuals have the right to be treated with respect and equality. Any harassment, discrimination, or prejudicial treatment towards peers, faculty members, or administrative staff on grounds of ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, age, or disability status undermines the AAU’s essential ethics and shall not be tolerated.
Faculty Recruitment and Appointment
The main concern of the staff involved in the recruitment process at AAU is the selection of the most qualified candidates in their respective areas of specialization. An excellent academic record, research potential, and effective teaching performance are important criteria for the selection of faculty members.
The faculty recruitment procedure begins with an initiative taken by the Dean which includes a description of the position, duties, and responsibilities that the faculty position entails, and a justification for the vacant position. The candidate is asked to submit an application form, and other required documents, to the Human Resources Unit. All applications are sent to the academic department concerned for evaluation.
AAU has a non-discriminatory recruitment policy with respect to an applicant’s gender, race, religion, or physical disabilities. Selection criteria include the following:
- academic performance, and the academic reputation of the institution that granted the degree held by the candidate.
- proficiency in the field to be taught and the ability to integrate knowledge to related subject areas.
- experience in teaching and the application of knowledge in the particular field of specialization.
- work published and lecturing experience.
- knowledge and understanding of the philosophy, goals, and objectives of AAU
A Departmental Recruitment Committee and the Department Head review the documents that are submitted by candidates for employment. The best-qualified candidates are recommended to the Dean of the College for approval and submission to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs, who, in turn, reviews the candidates once more before submitting a ranked list of candidates to the University President for final approval.
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS FOR FACULTY
Diversity In the University
AAU strongly believes diversity to be fundamental to academic excellence as the values of equal opportunity to access education are deeply-rooted in the UAE diverse community. Experience has shown that the more varied the backgrounds and perspectives of students and faculty, the richer the academic experience becomes.
For faculty and professional staff, diversity reinforces ties in the workplace leading to the ultimate success and realization of goals. Similarly, for students, learning in a diverse educational environment affords students the opportunity for personal growth, instills the values of mutual respect, and builds the spirit of teamwork leading to a generation of professionals who will be able to help build a closely-knit community.
Moreover, working towards the future requires raising a generation of professionals who are able to work in a diverse, pluralistic workplace, and who deal with others on the basis of contribution and character. To that end, AAU strives to create a healthy diverse atmosphere where students and faculty from all backgrounds and origins can positively interact and effectively contribute to the exchange of information and the flow of knowledge in a way that assists each and every one of them in the pursuit of their goals hence contributing to achieving the mission of AAU.
At AAU’s diverse learning environment, faculty and students come together in a welcoming and respectful setting that allows access to education for all and offers them the maximum opportunity for a culturally diverse experience.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF FACULTY MEMBERS
The different duties that a faculty member is expected to perform are classified under the following categories:
I. Teaching.
II. Research.
III. Service to the University and Community Engagement.
In addition to these general areas of activity, the faculty member is expected to:
I. participate actively in assessment procedures.
II. carry out administrative tasks and other activities related to the faculty member’s position.
III. uphold intellectual integrity and objectivity in the search for the truth.
IV. avoid discrimination against, harassment of, or imposing prejudicial treatment upon other faculty members, staff members, students, or participants because of ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, country of citizenship, age, political beliefs, or status as a person with a disability.
V. uphold current university rules and regulations.
VI. comply with reasonable and appropriate instructions from the Head of the Department, the Dean, or other authorized university officer with respect to the timely performance of their essential duties.
VII. perform his/her responsibilities and obligations as teachers/researchers/ scholars and members of the faculty.
VIII. use his/her time and efforts totally for the university; any work (Teaching, training, consultation, supervision in whole or in part of a research, project, thesis and etc.) outside the university can only be performed after obtaining a written approval from the university administration based on an official letter from the relevant authority.
HR Unit celebrates Women’s Day with female staff
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, the Human Resources Unit at Al Ain University, organized an open day for the AAU female staff at Al Ain campus, including discussion sessions, various competitions and recreational games.
Mrs. Sidra Shaheen, HR Manager, emphasized that Al Ain University represented by the Human Resources Unit is keen to celebrate this day symbolically with the AAU female employees to honor them, appreciate their efforts and their positive and progressive role in AAU and the society. “This day is just to rethink and reenergize our self with what value as an individual we can add to our society, -The sky is the limit”, She added.
In her speech, Dr. Shorouq Al Eter, from the College of Business, said that women have played a prominent role in society since ancient times. She also cited the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, who had the greatest role in empowering and encouraging women.
Through an interesting discussion session between the female employees from the academic and administrative staffs about the challenges they faced in their lives and how they overcame them, they called on all women to challenge their selves to overcome difficulties and to strive to achieve their own aspirations and build a conscious generation for the future
At the end of the open day, the HR Manager thanked all employees and wished them success.
A student visit to the General Women's Union
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi Campus) organized a student visit to the General Women's Union. The visit included a tour introducing the establishment of the General Women's Union, its areas of work, and its significant achievements in empowering women.
These achievements include providing supportive legislative frameworks for women, various initiatives, and the role of the General Women's Union in preserving the cultural heritage in the country across generations.
Following the introductory tour, students were acquainted with the projects of productive families by visiting centers specializing in handicrafts and handmade industries. They learned about various projects such as handicrafts, embroidery, sewing, and artistic creations, through which the General Women's Union supports the role of productive women.
Varieties of handmade products crafted by women involved in these projects were showcased, allowing students to explore their diverse contributions in various festivals and community events.
It is worth mentioning that the interaction of the students during the visit to the General Women's Union was remarkable. They expressed their happiness and admiration for the crafts and handmade industries produced by the women of productive families, reflecting the spirit of creativity and excellence possessed by these women.
Al Ain University celebrates the International Women's Day
In recognition of her pioneering role in society and celebration of Women’s International Day, the Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University's Al Ain Campus organized a series of events that were attended by academic and administrative staff, as well as students. The events were organized in collaboration with several companies, including Limar Spa for Ladies Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Kaya Center, and Emirates Trust Center.
According to Prof. Ibtehal Abu Rezeq, the Dean of Student Affairs, the celebration of Women's International Day is important to acknowledge the achievements of women and their positive impact on society. She emphasized that Al Ain University is committed to celebrating this day with its female employees as a tribute to their efforts and dedication in all areas of society.
The event was held to support and recognize the significant role that women play in society, and to honor their efforts. Al Ain University believes that the contributions of women are important and should be celebrated regularly.
AAU Family Celebrate the Emirati Women's Day
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi Campus) organized an event on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day. The event included providing various activities and souvenirs to a group of Emirati female students in appreciation of their efforts and effective contributions in various fields.
In turn, Dr. Noha Hamada, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, offered a greeting of thanks and appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates,” the pioneer of the renaissance of Emirati women. She also expressed the most sincere and deepest feelings of appreciation and gratitude to Emirati women for their achievements in various fields of life, including the field of volunteer work, which has become a way of life and style that characterizes the Emirati society.
She added that Emirati women followed the path of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, and sought to achieve his vision to serve the future of the UAE. She innovated, shone, and distinguished herself as a leader, minister, scientist, engineer, and doctor, in addition to her role as a wife and a mother.
Al Ain University’s celebration of Emirati Women’s Day coincides with the importance of women’s role in supporting development and contributing to the country’s renaissance, and in appreciation of their efforts and constant endeavor to do more for the benefit of the nation’s future.
Women's empowerment and their role in political participation
AAU students won advanced places in the Universities Students Research Competition
The AAU students won advanced places during their participation in the 9th Universities Research Competition organized by the Abu Dhabi University, which is considered the largest student research competition in the Arab world and aims to enhance the capabilities and initiatives of scientific research among university students.
Students; Lumara Salem, Soha Ahmad, Al Reem Abdulrahman, and Areba Abed, from the College of Engineering –Software Engineering Program, won a financial grant of 10,000 AED for their creation of a smart application that searches for prescribing medicines, under the supervision of Dr. Essam Al-Azouni.
In the Pharmaceutical Sciences Category, the College of Pharmacy students won two prizes. The First place went to students; Lama Abuamer, Sedra Kremesh, and Yusra Maher, on their research entitled: Identification of potential hENT1 inhibitors using a combined approach of ligand-based and receptor-based virtual screening, under the supervision of Prof. Mohammad Ghattas –Deputy Dean of the College of Pharmacy and, Dr. Azza Ramadan. While the second place was for students; Nour Dabbagh, Danah Albek, and Zainab Abdulnasser, on their research entitled: Targeting the RNA Binding Protein NONO to inhibit Breast Cancer, under the supervision of Dr. Rose Al Ghamrawy.
As for the Public Health Category, students; Nasrin Akther Rima, Dalia Sharaf, and Najwa Al Ramadan won Third place in their research entitled: Phobia and perceptions concerning Covid-19 in Healthcare Professional Students, under the supervision of Dr. Nadia Hussain, and Dr. Amira Ahmed.
Also, from the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, student Mohammad Al Blushi obtained the First place for research entitled: Factors Affecting Low Fertility Rates for Emirati Women -A study on a sample of married women in Al Ain city, under the supervision of Dr. Mastour Rahim.
Dr. Noor El Deen Atatreh- AAU Chancellor, commented; "We are pleased that Al Ain University students have obtained advanced positions in this competition, which proves the skills and knowledge acquired by our students that enabled them to work on scientific research to achieve advanced positions among other researches under the supervision of a group of professional professors".
For his part, Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, AAU President, said that; The university is keen to encourage students to participate in competitions that support scientific research, with the aim of enhancing their knowledge and thinking ability, which enhances their contributions to society to advance knowledge-based development.
Women Empowerment and Decision Making Seminar at AAU
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University campus in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the UAE General Women’s Union, held a seminar entitled “Women Empowerment and Their Role in Decision Making”. The seminar was organized in coordination with Dr. Najwa Abu Heiba, associate professor at the AAU College of law.
Ms. Ahlam Al Lamki, Director of Research and Development at the General Women's Union (GWU), explained the role of the GWU and reiterated that it works in accordance with a national strategy aimed at activating the role of women through its various programs, in cooperation with relevant institutions in order to overcome the obstacles that hinder women's active participation in all fields of public life.
She added that the percentage of females currently enrolled in higher education programs is 71.6% of the total students in public universities and 50.1% percent of students in private universities and institutes. In addition, the percentage of women has reached 60 percent in technical jobs, which include medicine, teaching, pharmacy, and nursing as well as women’s involvement in the armed forces, police, and customs.
The UAE’s first female music composer hosted by AAU
Al Ain University was honored to host Mrs. Iman Al Hashemi, the UAE’s first female music composer, as a part of the keenness of Al Ain University in supporting innovation and to empower women in all fields.
Eman reviewed her story with music, how she discovered her talent and was interested in her development until she became a fan of piano, melody, play and express her feelings and opinions in the language of melodies. The show featured a pianist and a heart-to-heart dialogue in which Iman exchanged thoughts and feelings about music.
The event was attended by Dr. Amer Qasem, AAU Vice President, Deputy Deans, Academic Staff and University students. The effectiveness of the event was to make the audience happy. The event also encouraged the creative students to practice piano.
It is worth mentioning that Iman al-Hashimi is an Emirati writer and poet. She is the first singer of the UAE orchestra, the State Triangle abroad, to play the piano in Italy, "Milan Expo".
AAU Supports Women In Business at 10th Anniversary Celebration
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, the Abu Dhabi Business Women’s Council, supported by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, celebrated their 10th anniversary with the launch of a Cultural Heritage Village at Al Ain Amateurs Club.
Sheikh Hazza Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Undersecretary, Dewan of the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, accompanied by Engineer Fatima Al Jaber, Chairperson of the Executive Board of the ADBWC, inaugurated the event.
The delegation visited various stands including the AAU pavilion and those of UAE businesswomen who hold a Mubdi’a license. Mubdi’a, which means ‘female innovators’ in Arabic, is a business initiative started by the Abu Dhabi Business Women’s Council to encourage Emirati women to run businesses from home.
Sheikh Hazza’ praised AAU’s participation in the event which included two poems and an interactive video show by the students that was very well received by audience members. He also commended the effort that AAU makes to motivate the students to take part in these events and increase their awareness of the social issues.
Other events at the Cultural Heritage Village include a classic cars’ exhibition, traditional Yola dance performances, poetry recitals and an Arabian horses’ display. The Village is open from the 10th to the 15th of December.