Zamzam University of Science and Technology (ZUST) upholds gender equality as a core value across its academic, administrative, and community operations. The University views gender equity as fundamental to building a just, inclusive, and resilient society. Through its policies, programs, and partnerships, ZUST promotes equal access to education, leadership, and employment for women and men alike. This report outlines ZUST’s institutional progress and published initiatives aligned with SDG 5: Gender Equality.
Institutional Commitment and Policy Framework
ZUST has established a comprehensive Gender Equality and Inclusion Policy that ensures equal opportunities in recruitment, admission, and advancement. The policy reinforces the University’s stance against all forms of discrimination, harassment, and gender-based violence. It promotes safe learning and working environments where women and men can contribute equally to academic and institutional growth. The University also enforces its Pay Equity and Living Wage Policy, which guarantees gender parity in compensation, promotion, and career development opportunities.
Access to Education for Women and Girls
ZUST has made significant progress in increasing women’s participation in higher education. Through collaboration with the Zamzam Foundation and other partners, the University provides targeted scholarships and financial aid to female students from low-income and displaced families. Women currently represent a growing percentage of undergraduate and graduate enrollment, particularly in the faculties of Health Sciences, Business, and Agriculture. The Student Affairs Office works to ensure women have equal access to academic resources, research opportunities, and leadership programs.
Leadership and Representation
ZUST encourages women’s participation in academic leadership, research, and governance. Female faculty members are represented in key committees and hold leadership positions across departments. The University has also launched Women in Leadership Seminars, offering training on professional development, research mentorship, and project management. These initiatives aim to break barriers and ensure women’s voices shape decision-making at institutional and community levels.
Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support
The University operates under a Zero Tolerance Policy on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and provides accessible support systems for victims. The Counselling and Student Support Unit offers confidential reporting mechanisms, psychological assistance, and referral to external legal and medical services when needed. Awareness workshops are conducted each semester to educate students and staff about GBV prevention, workplace ethics, and respect-based communication.
Health and Well-Being Initiatives for Women
Aligned with SDG 3 and SDG 5, ZUST promotes women’s health and well-being through awareness programs on maternal health, mental wellness, and reproductive rights. Recent initiatives included reproductive health workshops and mental health campaigns for female students and working mothers in partnership with SOS Somalia and NRC. The Faculty of Health Sciences also provides training for midwives and nurses focused on improving maternal and child care outcomes in local communities.
Workplace Equity and Employment Practices
ZUST’s Fair Compensation, Living Wage, and Pay Equity Policy (ZUST/HR/2024/0090) ensures equal remuneration for equal work and prohibits gender-based pay disparities. Annual audits of salary data are conducted by the Human Resources Department to monitor and address potential gender gaps. In recruitment, promotion, and professional development, equal opportunity is guaranteed for both male and female employees. Flexible working arrangements are also available for staff balancing family responsibilities.
Research and Advocacy for Gender Equality
Through the Research and Innovation Center (RIC), the University promotes research projects focusing on gender inclusion, women’s empowerment, and gender-responsive education. Faculty members contribute to national discussions on gender and education policy, ensuring that women’s perspectives are represented in academic and policy discourse. ZUST students also participate in gender-related community research, raising awareness of women’s roles in economic development and peacebuilding.
Monitoring and Reporting Progress
ZUST continuously monitors gender equality performance through data collection, staff and student surveys, and participation metrics. Key indicators include:
- Proportion of female students enrolled and graduated.
- Percentage of women in academic and administrative leadership positions.
- Gender balance across all faculties and programs.
- Equity in salary and benefits distribution.
- Number of gender-awareness and GBV prevention programs conducted annually.
The University publishes these results annually in the ZUST SDG Progress Report, available on its official website under the Sustainability and SDG Impact section.
Impact Summary
- Significant increase in female student enrollment and retention rates.
- Expanded scholarship programs for women from low-income backgrounds.
- Institutional adoption of gender pay equity and anti-harassment policies.
- Women represented in key academic and administrative leadership positions.
- Continuous awareness programs on gender equality, reproductive health, and workplace inclusion.
Conclusion
Zamzam University of Science and Technology demonstrates measurable progress toward SDG 5 (Gender Equality) through its policies, programs, and partnerships. The University remains committed to ensuring that every student and staff member, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to learn, work, and lead. By publishing its annual progress reports, ZUST reaffirms its accountability and leadership in promoting gender equality in Somalia’s higher-education sector.