Women’s Committee

Overview:

The Women’s Committee is a distinguished and integral component of the Union of Afro-Asian Universities (UAAU), dedicated to advancing gender equality, empowering women leaders, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and excellence in higher education. This committee is tasked with creating strategic initiatives that foster the academic, professional, and personal development of women across our network. By championing diversity and equal opportunity, the committee plays a vital role in shaping policies, facilitating dialogue, and implementing programs that drive transformative change within academic institutions and beyond.

Leadership

Prof.Dr. Maryam Ait Ahmed

Head of the Women's Committee

Mission:

To empower and elevate the status of women in higher education by fostering leadership, creating equitable opportunities, and promoting a supportive environment that nurtures academic excellence, innovation, and social progress.

Vision:

To establish the Union of Afro-Asian Universities as a global benchmark for gender equity and women’s empowerment, where every woman is equipped to realize her full potential and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge and society.

Core Values:

  • Equality: Advocating for equal opportunities and fair treatment in all academic and professional pursuits.
  • Empowerment: Inspiring and enabling women to assume leadership roles and drive positive change.
  • Inclusion: Embracing diversity and fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
  • Excellence: Upholding the highest standards in academic achievement and professional development.
  • Integrity: Committing to ethical practices, transparency, and accountability in all initiatives.
  • Collaboration: Building strong partnerships and networks that enhance the collective impact on gender equality.

Strategic Objectives and Initiatives:

1. Enhance Leadership and Professional Development

  • Mentorship Programs: Establish structured mentorship initiatives linking emerging female scholars with established leaders to foster professional growth and knowledge exchange.
  • Leadership Training: Organize targeted workshops, seminars, and conferences that build leadership skills and strategic thinking, preparing women for executive roles within academia and beyond.

2. Promote Gender Equity and Policy Advocacy

  • Advocacy Initiatives: Collaborate with academic institutions, governmental agencies, and international organizations to advocate for policies that support gender equality and dismantle barriers to women’s advancement.
  • Inclusive Policy Frameworks: Develop and disseminate best practices and policy recommendations aimed at creating more inclusive academic environments and ensuring equitable access to opportunities.

3. Foster Research and Innovation in Gender Studies

  • Interdisciplinary Research: Encourage collaborative research projects that explore gender-related issues, innovative approaches to gender equity, and the impact of diversity on academic excellence.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Support initiatives that collect and analyze data on gender representation and outcomes within higher education to inform strategic interventions and measure progress.

4. Build Networks and Strengthen Community Engagement

  • Global Networking: Create platforms for female academicians and professionals to connect, share experiences, and form strategic alliances that span regional and international boundaries.
  • Community Outreach: Organize public lectures, cultural events, and outreach programs that promote awareness of gender issues and celebrate the achievements of women in academia and society.

5. Capacity Building and Sustainable Development

  • Skill Enhancement Workshops: Provide training in emerging technologies, research methodologies, and career development to equip women with the skills needed for modern academic and professional challenges.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Integrate gender perspectives into broader sustainability and development programs, ensuring that the contributions of women are recognized as critical to long-term institutional and societal growth.