Goal 4 / 4.3 / 4.3.5
University Policy on Inclusive Access to Outreach Activities
4.3.5 Does your university as a body have a policy that ensures that access to these activities is accessible to all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability or gender?
Equity and diversity policy of Ahlia University [1]
As a higher educational institution Ahlia University is committed to maintain equity amongst its diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The University ensures that all members of the university community are treated equitably and with respect in accordance with the following definitions:
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.
I. Equity and diversity among the student body is as follows:
Ahlia University believes that all students, regardless of color, race, religion, and physical or learning disability, have the right to the best education. Admission to Ahlia University is selective based on prior academic achievement. The most qualified candidates -- regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability -- will be selected to fill the available places. In the course of student participation in the educational life at the university, academic and non-academic, Ahlia University is committed to a discrimination-free learnıng environment for all students -- regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability --. based on principles of fairness and equity.
II. Equity and diversity among staff is as follows:
Ahlia 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 shall not tolerate any offensive, intimidating or inappropriate statements or behavior undermining equity ın 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 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. reflects principles of fairness and equity.
The University mandates that members of the University community pay heed to applicable codes of conduct as well as to the University’s Anti-Harassment Policy
Equal opportunities’[2]
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/equal-opportunity/
Since inception, Ahlia University has championed equal opportunity and women empowerment. This is manifest in the University’s core values: Excellence, inclusiveness, integrity, collegiality, ambition, and engagement.
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
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.
’
Fairness’[3]
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Staff-Handbook_June2021_WEB_4.pdf
Fairness refers to the equitable treatment of different people, or groups, conforming to a consistent set of standards. Employees are entitled to expect fair treatment at Ahlia University and are expected to treat others fairly. That also requires employees to conduct themselves in such a way so as to ensure that Ahlia University’s reputation for fairness is sustained and enhanced all the time.
OUR STUDENT DIVERSITY [4]
At AU we believe that all students, regardless of colour, race, religion, and physical or learning disability, have the right to the best education we can provide. Our student body comprises over 30 nationalities. At AU, we work hard to ensure that all our students are treated equally and with respect.
OUR INTERNATIONAL CULTURE
Our faculty members are from 25 different countries and possess credentials from some of the best universities in the world, ensuring we continue to work with our students to prepare them for the global market.
Equal Opportunity’[5]
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/equal-opportunity/
Ahlia University provides a space for its administrative staff and students to learn about their equal opportunities, as shown below:
WTUN Gender Equality Pledge’[6]
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/equal-opportunity/
As a founding member of the World Technology Universities Network, Ahlia University is proud of playing a key role in the development of a gender equality pledge for the network of 20+ members from across the World.
4th Equal Opportunities Conference’[7]
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/4th-equal-opportunity-conference/
Under the patronage of H.E. Fawzia Bint Abdulla Zainal Speaker of council of Representatives.
It is our honor to invite you to the Fourth Conference on Equal Opportunities
The emergence of Covid19 and the resultant public health crisis has brought societal inequalities into sharp relief. How different countries have chosen to respond is not only shaping the current moment but is also having a crucial impact on the shape of the future; on who has access to vital resources and who is denied. This year’s conference will focus on the way in which the global pandemic is shaping our collective futures in new and unexpected ways and what that means to the ongoing objective of equal opportunities. More specifically how has and how should activity in the fields of health, education, law and business respond to what might be considered a pivotal moment that will set the direction and economic & social impacts for the coming decades. Decades in which responses to climate change, public health crises and economic imperatives must find a way to align with each other. What can be learnt from responses in health, education, law and business that serve to advance the objectives of equal opportunities? What must we do to avoid losing ground and ensure that the drive to maintain and build more equal opportunities and equitable futures continues unabated? We invite you to submit 15’20-minute papers and presentations which explore specific elements of these broad questions.
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDING PRESIDENT & CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES’’ PROF. ABDULLA Y. AL HAWAJ
It gives me great pleasure to announce that we are holding The Fourth Conference on Equal Opportunities in "Health, Education, Law and Business.’ We are absolutely ecstatic to conduct this conference under the patronage of Her Excellency Mrs. Fawzia Bint Abdulla Zainal, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, whose renown, as a pioneer in the cause of women’s empowerment, is widely acknowledged and recognized in the Arabian Gulf region and far beyond. Under her stewardship, the Council of Representatives indefatigably tackles and relentlessly drives women’s empowerment as part and parcel of its wider stimulation and development of communities and organizations as a core element of what uncontrovertibly ranks as society’s most important social cause.
This conference, organized jointly by Ahlia University and Brunel University London, is inspired by our mission to move forward the frontiers of human knowledge and to elevate the social and living standards of society. It is a demonstration of our core values in action and exemplifies our commitment to scholarship across various academic fields and disciplines.
The theme "Health, Education, Law and Business" was carefully selected as it goes to the heart of a transcendental and transformational issue of paramount salience in the world today; namely, women’s empowerment and female participation in human capital development. Promoting equal opportunity engenders benefits of far-reaching consequences ’ be they economic, social or otherwise -- impacting all aspects of society.
We are proud of, and heartened by, the path-breaking activities of the Supreme Council for Women under the leadership and guidance of H. R. H. Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim AI Khalifa in furtherance of women’s empowerment. Given these efforts, it is unsurprising that the Kingdom of Bahrain has emerged as an unparalleled leader in equality between men and women. Using a cross-section of the latest scholarly methods, we accordingly strive to highlight and to reflect on the good practice evinced in the sphere of women’s empowerment in Bahrain. Moreover, the conference includes empirical studies about ’Health, Education, Law and Business’ in Bahrain involving a set of workshops employing cutting-edge methods in the field,
Finally, I offer my thanks to all the contributors of the conference and our distinguished guests, and would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the organizing committee who made this conference a success.
Ahlia University Sustainability Initiative’[8]
https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/ahlia-university-sustainability-initiative
Description
Ahlia University considers Social Responsibility and Sustainability as part of its prioritized strategies that is embedded in its core functions including teaching, research and community. The University is committed to contribute and work towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through encouragement of research in various research areas such as quality education, equal opportunities and sustainable growth. In order to create a recognized impact Ahlia University promotes partnership with national and international organizations tackling UNSDGs.
Implementation of the Project/Activity
Ahlia University (AU) aligned the UNSDGs initiatives as part of it strategies, a University Sustainable Development Plan (2021-2025) was developed and approved with clear set of initiatives to contribute to the overall UNSDGs with prioritized measures. In the next 5 years AU is committed to increase the number of publications in specific areas including gender equality, quality education and sustainable growth. AU is also committed to revise the structure of the curriculum to include higher percentage of critical long term sustainable thinking skills with social responsibility across all fields. AU aims to produce society ready graduates equipped with social responsibility and life-long learning skills to support managing global growth and sustainability. In order to assure effective implementation of the planned initiatives within the Sustainable Development Plan (2021-2025) the plan will be evaluated by Centre for Accreditation and Quality Assurance and reported to the University senior management for decision making. The actions will be measures the contribution in increasing number of research in relation to sustainable growth, contribution in various out-reach activities considering social responsibility and promoting life-long learning skills.
Governed
Centre for Accreditation and Quality Assurance at Ahlia University will be responsible to communicate with other national and international networks to engage and share best practices of implementing and contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through contributing in events at both levels hosting and contributing. In addition, the Centre will be also the focal point for revising policies and procedures to support the implementation of UNSDGs.
Goal 5 Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’[9]
https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/ahlia-university-sustainability-initiative
5.5
Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life
5.5.1
Proportion of seats held by women in (a) national parliaments and (b) local governments
5.5.2
Proportion of women in managerial positions
Professor Al-Hawaj praises Dr. Lulua Bodlama's "National Approach" book’[10]
Professor Al-Hawaj praises Dr. Lulua Bodlama's "National Approach" book and emphasizes:
The words of the king of the country formulated a national approach that was appreciated by the whole world.
Community University July 18, 2021
The founding president and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National University praised the book "The National Approach in Hamad Bin Isa's Speeches", which included analyses of the royal speeches of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of the country, who was saved by God and his patrons, noting the scientific and research efforts presented by Dr. Lulua Boudlama in this book.
Professor Abdullah Al-Hawaj said during his reception dr. Lulua Al-Boudalama, who gave him a copy of the book: We are proud of the scientific, research and national achievements achieved by graduates of the National University, in which the graduate of the community university Dr. Lulua Al-Boudlama drew the conclusion of her analytical experiences to express the responsible national role of Dr. Lulua Bodlama in this field, in line with the orientation of the national university towards promoting the values and principles of belonging to the nation and its wise leadership in various activities of the University of Education, Research and Culture.
Professor Al-Hawaj stressed the importance of research and sober scientific study of inspiring words and great speeches by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Country's Redeemed King, which is preserved and nurtured by God, which reflects an extraordinary story of love, loyalty and cohesion that binds His Majesty to his people, as these words and speeches formulate a national approach that has been respected by the near and distant and has been informed by the appreciation of the whole world.
For her part, Dr. Lulua Boudlama stressed that this book documents the lofty speeches and the various stages during which they were delivered, which are important stages that have passed in the history of the kingdom of Bahrain and the history of the pioneering reform project led by the king of the country, which has made advanced transfers in various fields, pointing out that what distinguishes the book is that it is a scientific version that analyzes the contents of the royal high letters from his Majesty's assumption of power in 1999 until the first quarter of 2018.
Bodlama said that lofty speeches are not words but fertile projects and principles put forward in local, international, social and cultural positions that are important to study and analyze to benefit from them and the lessons they offer, noting that they used a scientific methodology in analyzing the speeches of the king of the country through the adoption of the tool of content analysis.
Together We Are Safe’[11]
https://gulfuniversities.org/partnerships/mena/ahlia-bahrain/
Together We Are Safe is a pioneering initiative led by Students from Ahlia University Bahrain as part of their marketing and management study course and under close academic supervision of Dr. Anji Ben Hamed, former Director of Ahlia Centre for Entrepreneurship. Together We Are Safe emphasizes on tolerance, acceptance, love and integrity, and to cleanse all types of extremism which lead us to build a culture filled with love, peace and togetherness. Students believe that all religions accept the others regardless of their color, gender, nationality, faith, orientation and people live with each other and accept each other’s religions, by cleansing all types of religious extremism.
"Eligibility" and "coexistence" adopt the campaign and support it university students launch an awareness campaign against extremism among young people’[12]
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/together-safe-stand-fear-extremism/
#معا we are safe or #Together_safe the slogan of a campaign launched by a group of students of the Community University in Both Arabic and English, with the aim of addressing all forms of extremism and intolerance by calling for love, unity and reunification between all factions and components of society, for greater security and peace in the Kingdom of Bahrain and around the world, in addition to presenting Bahrain as a social model to be followed worldwide.
A campaign that quickly spread its reputation on social media, motivated the leadership of the community university to adopt and support it in partnership with the Bahrain Association for Tolerance and Coexistence of Religions, and many community elites, while television launched a campaign that quickly spread its reputation on social media, motivated the leadership of the community university to adopt and support it in partnership with the Bahrain Association for Tolerance and Coexistence of Religions, and many community elites, while Bahrain TV initiated a meeting with a group of students active in the campaign.
The campaign, adopted by a group of marketing and business students under the supervision of their professor Dr. Angie Bin Hamed in their fourth and final academic year, seeks to spread community awareness of the importance of addressing all forms of extremism, and accepts the other with all its differences in order to increase intimacy, love and rejection of hatred among different segments of society, while the campaign is based on the idea of applying marketing techniques, especially digital means, in order to spread the content of the campaign and deliver it to the largest segment of Bahraini youth.
The founding president of the National University and chairman of its board of trustees, Professor Abdullah Al-Hawaj, together with the Chairman of the Community Service Committee, Professor Fouad Chehab, and in the presence of a number of leaders of the Bahrain Association for Tolerance and Coexistence of Religions led by the President of the Association Professor Yusuf Bouzbon and Vice President Dr. Amal Al-Jouder, met with a number of students participating in the campaign congratulations to the students of the community university the success of their campaign and its impact on social media, and the wide praise and acceptance it received, where it included a huge hand-held fingerprint panel at the headquarters of the community university and launched Tweets and anti-extremism videos posted on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and other means of communication.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of this high humanitarian message among young people by holding an inaugural ceremony for this campaign on Saturday, May 13, 2017, and then starting it again in digital communication, and coordinating an integrated plan to move this campaign in various educational institutions such as secondary schools, colleges, universities and facilities where young people are present, such as clubs and business complexes.
During the meeting, Professor Abdullah al-Hawaj stressed that the Community University is inspired by His Majesty the King's reform project to work hard to achieve the beautiful days that have not yet lived as promised by His Majesty, and that this campaign meets the outburst of youth and the experience of adults, which can achieve a significant and significant impact on public opinion trends towards countering extremism, whether religious or ethnic extremism, against women, sports and in various aspects of life.
Dr. Amal Al-Jouder, Vice President of the Bahrain Association for Tolerance and Coexistence of Religions, praised the initiative of the students of the Community University, expressing the association's readiness to participate positively in their campaign and bringing them a diverse spectrum of speakers in the field of tolerance and rejection of extremism of different religions, where the association is made up of diverse members in their religions and cultural trends, while Ms. Mona Khoury of the Bahrain Society for Tolerance and Coexistence of Religions stressed the importance of the role that the community university can play in deepening the culture of tolerance among young people on the youth group. In particular, with its great academic experience, thanking the university students for their good initiative.
FAHAD NAQI [13]
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/UG-Prospectus.pdf
’I have been working since I was 17 years old, so I needed to do my degree on a part-time basis. Ahlia’s programmed rules are flexible if you are working. Ahlia also helps you develop as a person, for example when some of us put forward a proposal for a Psychology Club, we got all the support we needed. The Club organized a World Health Day with yoga sessions and speeches; a Self-Discovery Day in partnership with ISIC; and a Depression Awareness event. In summer 2012 I went with 5 others to do an internship in India for 1.5 months through AIESEC with AU sponsorship. We volunteered at a school, organizing events promoting health awareness, etc. The experience was wonderful, and I learned so much! Also, as a result of connections I made, I got an interview in the UAE and am now working as a Research Executive for Market & Research Services, Dubai, where I conduct surveys and focus groups etc. I really enjoy it and my ambition is to do have similar role at somewhere like CNN one day.’
Ahlia University Students visited KPMG Fakhro Bahrain’[14]
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/events/field-trip-to-kpmg/
Ahlia University students visited KPMG Fakhro on 17th November 2019 as academia-industry interaction trip. Mr. Saeed Radhi, CPA, CMA, CIA, Senior Manager at KPMG, addressed the students. As he was alumni of Ahlia, he pointed out how students can benefit more from university studies. He shared his career journey with KPMG Bahrain and US. He discussed the skills required nowadays in industry. He talked about KPMG service lines, ranging from audit and assurance to tax services. He emphasised that KPMG service lines are changing in dynamic business environment and how technology is impacting their job. He said industry is looking for professionally qualified people and asked the students to pursue professional qualifications.
Mr. Sayed Hussain Al-Derazi, another Ahlia University alumnus, was also present and shared his experience. He started KPMG as intern 6 months ago and then joined as employee. He is also preparing for CPA now.
Dr. Gagan Kukreja, who arranged this meeting, shared briefly experience that how university are making Ahlia graduates more employable. He further mentioned that Ahlia always encourage to pursue professional qualifications such as CPA, CMA, CIA, CFA, FRM and so on. He said that Professor Abdulla Y. Al-Hawaj and Professor Mansoor Al-Aali are always keen that Ahlia graduate receive quality, relevant and most up to date education. This trip idea was initiated by Ms. Maryam Zaman and Mr. Hussain Habib of Directorate of Professional Relations who always encouraged such interaction.
Event Details:
Start Date: 17/11/2019
Time: 09:00 AM
Location: KPMG
Dress code’[15]
DO WOMEN HAVE TO FOLLOW A DRESS CODE? No. Women can dress as they wish, although it is polite to dress modestly in public. IS BAHRAIN A CONSERVATIVE PLACE? Bahrain is known in the Gulf for being open and tolerant. Bahraini men and women socialize at local cafes and restaurants, expatriates mix with Bahraini nationals across all social settings, and people from all over the Gulf come here to relax.
Equal Opportunity’[16]
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/equal-opportunity/
Since inception, Ahlia University has championed equal opportunity and women empowerment. This is manifest in the University’s core values: Excellence, inclusiveness, integrity, collegiality, ambition, and engagement.
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
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 COMMITTEE
EOC Membership
President (Chairperson)
Senior Advisor for Academic Affairs
Dean of Student Affairs
Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
President Assistant for Quality Assurance and Planning
President Assistant of Media, Marketing and PR
Director of International Relations
Director of Human Resources
Minuting Secretary
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, organizational) policy frameworks on inclusion, equal opportunity and women empowerment.
To empower women by integrating their needs in development programs.
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 organization for women.
Initiative 1 Develop a systematic and sustainable approach to equal opportunity and women empowerment through institutionalization of practice.
Initiative 2 Create a centralized advisory body to oversee progress and institutionalize practice
Initiative 3 Employ a targeted approach vis-’-vis professional development, capacity-building, and up-skilling programs to redress gender imbalance issues
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.
Third Conference on Equal Opportunities: ’Sustainability and Future Studies’’[17]
’Where are women in artificial intelligence?’ was the subject of a paper delivered by Dr. Fatima Alsebaie at the 3rd conference on Equal Opportunities: Sustainability & Future Studies’, organized by Ahlia University and Brunel University, London on 27th & 28th November, 2019, under the patronage of HE Fawzia Bint Abdulla Zainal. Dr. Alsebaie’s presentation discussed women’s representation in the field of artificial intelligence and the impact of digitalization and automation on the jobs for women in the future.
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