Equality and Diversity Policy
Version Control & Sign–Off Sheet
Protected Characteristics
4.1 Age
The university protects people of all ages and works within the legal framework for employment in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Different treatment because of age is not unlawful and does not constitute direct or indirect discrimination if it can be justified on the grounds of effective and efficient work procedures, i.e. if it can be demonstrated that it is a proportionate means of meeting a legitimate aim.
4.2 Disability
The university has made it easy for any employee to declare that they are disabled and it is an expectation of the University that any physical or mental is declared in order to ensure that individuals are protected from disability discrimination. Under this policy, a person is considered disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities as described in their job specification. Where possible the University will make reasonable adjustments to allow a member of staff who is disabled to carry out their duties effectively.
4.3 Marriage
The policy protects employees who are married against discrimination and in particular makes reasonable adjustments to assist new employees to ensure that they do not need to be separated for an unduly long period from their immediate family.
4.4 Family circumstances
A woman is provided with particular rights and considerations on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity – during the period of her pregnancy and any statutory maternity leave to which she is entitled. During this period, these arrangements cannot be viewed by other employees as sex discrimination.
4.5 Race
For the purposes of this policy ‘race’ includes color, nationality and ethnic or national origins.
4.6 Religion or belief
Religion includes any religion. It also includes a lack of religion, in other words employees or jobseekers are protected if they do not follow a certain religion or have no religion at all.
4.7 Gender
Both men and women are treated equally and protected under this policy.
Types of Discrimination
5.1 Direct Discrimination
This occurs when any stakeholder is treated less favorably than another person because of a “Protected Characteristic”.
5.2 Associative Discrimination
This is discrimination against any stakeholder because they have an association with someone with a particular “Protected Characteristic”.
5.3 Perceptive Discrimination
This is discrimination against any stakeholder because the discriminator thinks the person possesses a protected characteristic, even if they do not in actually do so.
5.4 Indirect Discrimination
This occurs where a policy, rule or procedure applies to everyone but has a disproportionate impact on people with a protected characteristic. The University is assiduous in considering the rights of all its employees and does not develop and implement policies which lead to indirect discrimination.
Responsibilities and commitment
6.1 All staff, students and anyone associated with the University must accept the principle that there is equality of opportunity and fairness for all staff and students in all aspect of University life.
6.2 In their day-to-day work all staff, students and anyone associated with the University must ensure they do not support unfair behavior by ignoring what is happening around them and must not incite with unfair or unlawful discrimination.
6.3 All staff, students and anyone associated with the University, have a responsibility to adhere to this policy and apply it in their day to day work. The specific responsibilities in relation to this policy are as follows:
6.3.1 The University is ultimately responsible for ensuring that it fulfils its legal responsibilities for promoting equality and eliminating discrimination, and for making sure that the commitments within this policy are fulfilled.
6.3.2 The President, having the overall leadership for running the University, has the responsibility for ensuring that the legal responsibilities for promoting equality and eliminating discrimination, and for making sure that the commitments within this statement are fulfilled across the University.
6.3.3 HRD is responsible for implementation of this policy with respect to staff and also for implementing related policies and procedures. HRD will also ensure that all staff receive appropriate equality and diversity inclusion training.
6.3.4 The Dean of Student Affairs is responsible for implementation of this policy with respect to students and also for implementing related policies and procedures.
6.3.5 Deans of Colleges/Heads of Department have a responsibility for ensuring that all staff and students are aware of the commitments within the policy. They also have a responsibility to promote equality of opportunity and to eliminate discrimination within their Colleges/Departments
Complaints of Discrimination or Harassment
7.1 If a member of staff feels that they have been discriminated against, the complaint should be raised in accordance with the appropriate University Grievance Procedure, in general, any such grievance is to be reported to HRD either via email (hr@asu.edu.bh), a written letter or in person.
7.2 If a student feels that they have been discriminated against, the complaint should be raised in accordance with the University’s Code of Practice on Complaints, Appeals and Discipline.
7.3 If a member of staff or student feels that they are being bullied or harassed, the complaint should be raised in accordance with the University’s Harassment and Bullying Policy.
7.4 Advice on the use of these procedures can be obtained from Human Resources and Student Services.
Any member of the University community found to be responsible for inciting, perpetrating or colluding with discrimination may face disciplinary action that may lead to termination or prosecution.
ASU Strategic Plan
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ASU-Strategic-Plan-Final.pdf
Quality is a main objective in ASU strategic plan as shown below:
Equality and Diversity Policy
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Student-Handbook-English-2022-2021.pdf
Policy Statement
This policy outlines the commitment of Applied Science University to create an environment where differences are valued and equality of opportunity is evident among all staff, students, and any stakeholder.
- This policy defines certain actions that are not permissible and that are considered unlawful. These are called ‘Types of Discrimination’.
- It also identifies so-called ‘protected characteristics’ which are best described as certain attributes that regular people possess which the University considers should be safeguarded. When ‘safeguarded’ it means against the ‘Types of Discrimination’.
The Applied Science University is fully committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fairness and to eliminate discrimination against all national and international staff, students, and anyone associated with the University (e.g. visitors, contractors and service providers) regardless of:
- Age
- Disability
- Marital Status
- Pregnancy and Maternity
- Race (colour, ethnicity, or nationality)
- Religion or Belief
- Gender h. Unfair Dismissal
No kinds of discrimination, harassment, or bullying are tolerated at the Applied Science University.
Female Lounge
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Student-Handbook-English-2022-2021.pdf
This great students’ facility is available for female students only, it is located in the basement floor and opens from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (next to the Ladies Prayer Room).
Students Council, Alumni Club and Students Clubs Room No. (301)
This students’ facility is located on the 3 rd floor, and it is part of the Deanship of Student Affairs; it supports the students to work together and perform their tasks.
Student Activities
The Deanship of Student Affairs has the responsibility for ensuring that students are exposed to and involved in various activities and provides various opportunities for the students to develop their personal and educational potential. ASU encourages the students to be involved in the Student Council, clubs, events, workshops, national and international celebrations, sporting activities, competitions, national and international fora, debates, and extracurricular activities. Students are informed of forthcoming activities through ASU communication channels, including social media
ASU Research Policy
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ASU-Research-Policy.pdf
This Policy applies to:
- All faculty members who may conduct any research activity at the University.
- All University students (undergraduate and postgraduate students) who conduct any research activity at the University.
- Employees involved in administrative procedures for any research activity.
In the below application forms, we notice that there is never a mention about the gender:
Research Funding Application Form
Application Form for Participation in a Conference
Application Form for Publication Fees
International Women’s Day
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMIFYKcAO5-/
Under the generous patronage of Dr. Ghassan Awad, the president of the university
The Directorate of Student Affairs invites you to attend the International Women’s Day events organized by the Women’s Club and the Student Council, which includes a meeting titled “Struggle Story” with the student Amal Al-Maloud tomorrow Monday 8 – 3 -2021 at 12:30 pm through the link on the main page of the university’s Instagram account “Bayou”
Design by Vice President of the Media Club
Rashid Al-Benzaid
“CHALLENGES AND ACHIEVEMENTS” FORUM
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/25th-Presidents-News-Digest-V4-21042019.pdf
On 1 April 2019, the Women’s Club under patronage the president supervised by the Student Services Office in the Deanship of Student Affairs organized a forum entitled “Challenges and Achievements”. The Club hosted Bahraini Women who faced challenges and conditions during their journey, and eventually were able to turn them into success stories. The participants were Shaikha AlShaiba an athlete, Fatima AlAtawi a Fashion Designer, Jowariya AlShomali a Bahraini Activist and Reem Alotaibi a Civil Engineer. Ruqaya Mohsin, ASU’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations, did a great job in managing the forum and being the MC. It was very inspiring and interesting to hear these Bahraini women stories, and how each of them were able to overcome all the setbacks and give hope to the listeners that nothing is impossible. A big thanks goes to the women club especially Fajer Althawadi, the Women’s Club President, and the Student Services Office for organizing such a great event.
International Workers’ Day
https://www.instagram.com/p/Crsr_-6shI-/
On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, we are proud of the university ambassadors who work in various fields to build and develop our precious kingdom. Sheikha Ali Al-Amer, a graduate of the Bachelor of Law and currently works as a Diplomatic Missions Affairs Specialist at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. #يوم_العمال_العالمي #بكم_نفتخر Designed by: Chairman of the Public Relations and Media Committee in the Management of the Alumni Club – Wafa Habeel and the President of the Media Club – Student Muhammad Al-Mulla.
Women Club Board of Directors Organizational Chart
https://www.instagram.com/p/CbKqZpTMMzf/
President – Meqat Alseddeeqi
Vice President – Sara Almuharrqi
Secretary –Fatima Aahra lachgar
Treasurer – Fajer Almaneari
Visit to the Supreme Council for Women
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUdzG02ljOG/
The visit of the Women’s Club members of the University of Applied Sciences of the Supreme Council for Women on Tuesday, 23/ 6 /2017 to get to know the Council, its departments, specialties, what the Council provides from services to women, community service and the possibility of cooperation between the Council and the Club
International Women’s Day
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PND-V8-Issue-13-6-April-2023.pdf
Under the patronage of Dr. Ammar Peter Kaka, the President of Applied Science University, the Student Affairs Department organized an event on Wednesday, March 4th, in collaboration with the Women’s Club and the Entrepreneurship Center, to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event featured an exhibition showcasing innovative projects by female students and graduates of the university, held in the university’s atrium and lobby.
Numerous female students participated in the exhibition, presenting their innovative and impactful projects that aim to improve society and encourage a spirit of entrepreneurship among women. The event aimed to highlight the role of women in society, enhance their status, and empower them in the field of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it aimed to encourage female students to develop their skills, initiate new projects, and assist them in achieving their entrepreneurial dreams.
Dr. Ammar Peter Kaka, the President of the university, and Dr. Hamatma, the Vice President of the university, visited the exhibition to provide support and encouragement to the participating female students. This event holds significant value for the university as it reflects its support for women and their empowerment in the field of entrepreneurship. It also contributes to the role of women in society and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Women in Higher Education
https://www.facebook.com/ASUBAHRAIN/photos/a.376526365721446/1970265046347562/
The lecture titled “Women in Higher Education: History and Achievements” that will be delivered by Dr.Farzana Al Maraghi, Director of Scientific research at the Ministry of Education.