Encouraging Women’s Applications in Underrepresented Fields at ASU Bahrain

Applied Science University (Bahrain) – Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment in Underrepresented Fields

Encouraging Women to Apply for Underrepresented Subjects

ASU Bahrain has implemented proactive outreach to attract and support women in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented (such as engineering, ICT, political science, law, and scientific research):

-Promotional Events & Role Models

The university’s Women’s Club and Deanship of Student Affairs organize forums to celebrate and inspire women’s achievements. For example, in April 2019 the Women’s Club held a “Challenges and Achievements” forum that hosted Bahraini women from various careers (an athlete, a fashion designer, a civil engineer, etc.) who shared how they overcame challenges and turned them into success stories. Such events, opened to the university community, give current and prospective female students real role models and send the message that “nothing is impossible” for women at ASU.

-Targeted STEM Outreach

ASU highlights women’s successes in STEM to encourage more female enrollment. The University often showcases female students’ projects in public exhibitions. For instance, during an Engineering Day event, senior female engineering students presented their capstone projects to visiting attendees, demonstrating their skills and answering questions [1]. Visitors and industry attendees expressed admiration for the students’ work, which helps normalize women’s presence in engineering and inspires young women to pursue these fields [1]. Additionally, ASU’s alumni recently partnered with the Bahrain Businesswomen Society to celebrate International ICT Day – an event specifically aiming to “inspire and empower women in ICT-related fields, encouraging them to pursue their ambitions” in technology [2]. By participating in such tech outreach events, ASU creates visibility for women in ICT and motivates female students to apply to tech programs.

-Inclusive Admission Policies

The University leadership has affirmed a commitment to equal access and actively encourages women to join all programs. ASU’s President, faculty, and recruiters frequently attend school fairs and community forums to reach potential female applicants. On International Women’s Day 2017, ASU organized a workshop on “the role of women in scientific research” open to all women at the university [3]. In this event, female professors led discussions on research opportunities aligned with national development goals, and the University President gave an inspiring message strongly supporting all women at ASU to fulfill their full potential in academic and professional life [3]. Such high-profile encouragement and visibility of women researchers send a clear signal to prospective students that women are welcomed and supported in fields like science and engineering.

-Social Media Campaigns Featuring Women

ASU leverages its official social media to spotlight female student and alumni achievements, thereby encouraging young women to envision similar success. For example, the university celebrated one alumna, Fatima Riyadh, who became the first Bahraini woman to coach a men’s basketball league team – breaking a gender barrier in sports leadership. By publicly recognizing trailblazers like Fatima, ASU communicates to prospective applicants that its female graduates excel in diverse, traditionally male-dominated arenas. Similarly, ASU’s channels highlighted Sheikha Ali Al-Amer, a Bachelor of Law graduate now serving as a Diplomatic Affairs Specialist in Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demonstrating that women from ASU’s law and political science programs can reach influential roles. These stories are shared to inspire more young women to apply to such programs, knowing that ASU provides a path to success.

Collaborations to Promote Women’s Participation in STEM, Law, and Research

ASU actively collaborates with government bodies, NGOs, and professional societies to promote women’s participation in STEM fields, legal studies, and scientific careers. Key partnerships and initiatives include:

-Partnership with Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society (BBS)

ASU has a longstanding collaboration with BBS to empower women in business and technology. An MoU was signed with BBS in 2016 to formalize cooperation, and ASU has since assisted BBS with strategic planning for their women’s initiatives. For example, in February 2017 ASU’s Acting Head of Strategic Planning led a working session at BBS to help the women-led organization develop a new strategy with clear KPIs. This direct support strengthened BBS’s capacity to advance women’s economic roles. Moreover, ASU representatives actively participate in BBS events: notably, the university took part in the 2nd International Businesswomen’s Forum & Exhibition (November 2017) under the patronage of HRH Princess Sabeeka, which was themed “Female Engineers in the Business World.” ASU’s Vice President, Engineering Dean, and faculty accompanied 14 female students from engineering and business majors to this forum. They engaged in panel discussions (e.g. “Engineering to Entrepreneurship”) and networking sessions with professionals. ASU reported that such external forums were “eye-opening” for the students, broadening their horizons and helping them network with industry leaders – all part of the university’s effort to encourage women to thrive in engineering and entrepreneurship.

-Government and Higher Education Initiatives

The university collaborates with national bodies to champion women in science and law. ASU regularly participates in events organized by the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) – the Kingdom’s leading organization for women’s empowerment. For instance, ASU delegates (including faculty and students) attended the “Bahraini Women and Future Sciences” scientific forum hosted at Bahrain Polytechnic under the patronage of HRH Princess Sabeeka. This forum, part of the Bahraini Women’s Day celebrations, focused on women’s roles in future scientific fields. Likewise, ASU was invited by Bahrain’s Education & Training Quality Authority to a panel discussion on “women’s empowerment in future sciences” (Nov 2019), where ASU Talent Club students highlighted the university’s best practices in preparing women for STEM careers. They emphasized how ASU’s management actively empowers women in science and the importance of practical skills training and gender equality in future science occupations. By engaging with such government-led conversations, ASU contributes to shaping national strategies for women in STEM and demonstrates its leadership in this area.

-Conferences and Legal Field Collaboration

ASU faculty and staff also join forces with external institutions to promote women in law and public service. An example is ASU’s involvement in the 3rd National Conference for Bahraini Women (Nov 2016), which was dedicated to “Bahraini Women in the Legal and Judicial Field.” An ASU Law faculty member, Ms. Noora Musalam, participated in this conference (patronized by HRH Princess Sabeeka), exchanging insights on elevating women’s roles in law and the judiciary. On campus, the College of Law has worked with practitioners to honor Bahraini Women’s Day: in early 2025 the college hosted an academic seminar spotlighting women’s contributions to national development and legal rights. Speakers included a professor discussing women’s political rights and a senior legal advisor from the national Social Insurance organization speaking on women’s rights in pension laws [4]. This seminar – organized in coordination with Bahrain’s national Women’s Day events – exemplifies how ASU collaborates with government experts to inspire female law students and encourage more women to enter legal careers.

-NGOs and Economic Empowerment Initiatives

The university supports NGOs that focus on women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. In November 2017, ASU’s leadership attended the launch of Alwani Society in Bahrain – a non-profit aimed at increasing women’s participation in the economy. ASU’s representative (Prof. Saad Darwish) noted that Alwani’s mission to enhance women’s capabilities and raise awareness of women’s rights in the workforce aligns with ASU’s goals. ASU encouraged its female students to engage with Alwani’s programs as a means to get mentorship for starting their own businesses. Additionally, in February 2018, ASU’s Community Engagement Office hosted Ms. Zahra Baqer, Director of the Yasmeen Global Initiative for Women’s Economic Empowerment, to discuss collaboration. This meeting explored ways the university could partner on training or projects to economically empower women in Bahrain. By opening its campus to such initiatives, ASU helps connect its women students with broader networks and opportunities beyond academia.

Achievements of ASU’s Female Students and Alumni

ASU Bahrain’s commitment to gender equality is reflected in the outstanding achievements of its female students and graduates across STEM, law, and other fields. These success stories not only showcase women’s talents but also encourage future applicants. Notable examples include:

-Global Engineering Competition Winners

 Three ASU architecture engineering students – Batool Khalaf, Wala Redha, and Fatema Dhaif – won Second Place globally in the Chartered Institute of Building’s Global Student Challenge 2024 [1]. Competing against top finalist teams from Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and China, the all-female ASU team impressed an international jury with their project “Rebuilda,” an innovative proposal for low-cost, fast-construction housing to rebuild war-torn Gaza. This triumph attests to the high skill level of ASU’s female engineers and was celebrated by the CIOB President during her visit to Bahrain [1]. It stands as a landmark achievement for women in ASU’s engineering programs on the world stage.

-Awards in Science and Technology

ASU women have earned recognition in national and international scientific forums. For example, civil engineering alumna Reema Kamshki won a third-place award in the prestigious Khalid bin Hamad Award for Graduation Projects (a nationwide competition among Bahraini universities) [1]. Her win, honored at an ASU ceremony, highlights the caliber of female graduates contributing top-ranked engineering innovations. In another sphere, MBA student Mai Abdel Aziz received the Scientist Professor Abdul Shafi Ubada Award at the 9th International Conference on Mathematics and Information Sciences. This award at an international conference demonstrates the research excellence of ASU’s female students in STEM-related fields. ASU proudly showcases these accomplishments to inspire current students – as the university stated, it is “always proud of our students, their achievements, and their lasting distinction in all local, Arab and international events and forums.”

-Breaking Barriers in Sports and Leadership

ASU’s female alumni have pioneered new paths in arenas once closed to women. A remarkable example is Fatima Riyadh – an ASU graduate – who made history as the first Bahraini woman to coach a men’s basketball team in the national league. Her achievement, widely reported and celebrated by ASU, broke gender barriers in sports leadership. In the realm of public service, ASU alumnae are contributing at high levels: for instance, an ASU political science graduate was highlighted for serving as a diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a law alumna is working in Bahrain’s diplomatic corps as a Diplomatic Missions Affairs Specialist. These examples underscore that ASU’s women graduates are not only excelling in traditional academic achievements but are also assuming leadership roles in government, diplomacy, and other sectors.

-Excellence in Competitions and Conferences

Current female students frequently distinguish themselves in competitions and academic forums. ASU student Elouna Al-Assam was congratulated for earning a “Diplomatic Award” in the General Assembly at an international Model United Nations competition. Competing with university students globally, her award signals the confidence, knowledge, and soft skills that ASU instills in its women students. Likewise, ASU’s female students have a strong record of winning or placing in contests – from engineering project contests to moot court and debate competitions – reflecting a supportive environment that enables women to thrive and win on equal footing.

Post-Admission Support and Empowerment Initiatives for Women

Once women enroll at ASU, the university provides a robust support system to empower them academically, professionally, and personally. These initiatives ensure women not only enter underrepresented fields, but also excel and assume leadership within them:

-Leadership Forums and Networking

ASU actively involves its female students and staff in leadership development forums. For example, the university sponsored participation in the regional forum “Women between Competitiveness and Empowerment” (March 2021), under the patronage of Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce. This high-profile forum focused on reforms to support women’s leadership in the economy – discussing legislation to motivate women’s contributions and help them lead. By attending, ASU women gained exposure to policy-level discussions and expanded their professional network. On campus, the university regularly invites successful women leaders to engage with students. A recent case saw Mrs. Deena Al Ansari, a successful entrepreneur, share her experience of founding businesses across Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi Arabia with ASU postgraduate students. Through such guest talks and panel discussions, ASU provides its women with mentorship, practical career advice, and inspiration to pursue entrepreneurship and leadership roles.

-Research Mentoring and Academic Empowerment

The university fosters an environment where women in science and academia support each other. In February 2021, ASU’s Deanship of Student Affairs organized a workshop titled “The Role of ASU’s Women in Scientific Research.” It gathered all female academics, researchers, and administrative staff to form research interest groups and encourage peer mentorship. Participants were enthusiastic to collaborate and planned follow-up research initiatives, illustrating how ASU cultivates a community of women scholars who learn from and motivate one another. Similarly, earlier programs have encouraged women’s research involvement; during an International Women’s Day workshop on campus, female faculty outlined emerging research themes for sustainable development and invited young women to contribute [3]. By providing these platforms, ASU ensures that women students have access to role models in academia and structured opportunities for research mentorship, which is crucial in fields like engineering and science where women are fewer.

-Recognition and Visibility

A key empowerment strategy at ASU is celebrating women’s achievements publicly, which boosts confidence and combats stereotypes. The University, under the patronage of its President, has hosted forums specifically to highlight the achievements of Bahraini women in the ASU community and beyond. For instance, ASU’s “Challenge and Achievement” forum (mentioned above) was explicitly designed to shine a spotlight on women who overcame obstacles and to “highlight and recognise the accomplishments of women and their efforts”. The event brought influential women to campus and affirmed the message that female talent and leadership are vital to society. ASU also integrates its female achievers into national celebrations: every year on Bahraini Women’s Day (December 1) and International Women’s Day (March 8), ASU organises events, seminars, or social media tributes honoring the women of the university – students, faculty, staff, and alumni. During Bahraini Women’s Day 2022, for example, ASU hosted prominent Bahraini women in science and government to speak to students, and in 2025 the College of Law’s Women’s Day seminar provided a forum for discussing women’s rights and successes in law [4]. This steady recognition sends a powerful signal to enrolled women that their achievements are valued and will be showcased, thereby encouraging them to strive further.

-Conferences and Competitions Support

ASU makes a point to involve women in industry competitions, academic conferences, and exhibitions, giving them real-world experience and confidence. The University often sponsors teams of female students to attend conferences (regional and international) related to their fields. For instance, ASU facilitated female students’ attendance in the “Future Sciences” forums and science and technology conferences under the Supreme Council for Women. The University also celebrates when its women attend or win at such events – whether it’s a student presenting research at a regional symposium or a team of women entering an entrepreneurship competition. In doing so, ASU not only prepares women to succeed in these venues but also publicizes their participation to encourage a culture where women’s presence in STEM and leadership conferences is the norm.

-Alumni Networks and Continued Empowerment

The support for ASU women continues beyond graduation through an active alumni network. The ASU Alumni Club and Career Development Office frequently highlight female alumni who have excelled, thereby creating a cycle of inspiration for current students. For example, on International Workers’ Day 2023, ASU’s media featured several alumnae as “university ambassadors” in their professions – including a law graduate serving in the Foreign Ministry and an interior design graduate running a design firm abroad. These spotlights not only honor the alumnae but also provide current female students with tangible examples of career paths. The alumni network, in collaboration with organizations like the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society, also organizes networking events and workshops where recent graduates (women entrepreneurs, lawyers, engineers, etc.) advise students. This tight-knit community ensures each generation of ASU women is empowered by the success of those who came before, embodying a supportive ecosystem that extends from recruitment, through university life, and into professional careers.

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