Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. In Bahrain, the government has implemented various policies and initiatives to address inequalities and promote inclusive development.
Government Initiatives in Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain has been at the forefront of the development process, adopting policies and strategies to diversify its economy, improve the standard of living, and maintain a balance between economic, social, and environmental aspects. Since its adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, the government linked its Government Plans to the SDGs 2030.
Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 serves as a cornerstone for aligning national policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The government has adopted policies and strategies to diversify its economy, improve the standard of living, and maintain a balance between economic, social, and environmental aspects. Since its adoption of the SDGs, the government linked its Government Plans to the SDGs 2030.
The current Government Plan (2023-2026), titled “From Recovery to Sustainable Development,” emphasizes embedding sustainability in national policies. This plan reflects Bahrain’s commitment to assessing and presenting national progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
Specific measures include improving employment opportunities, training, and skills development to make Bahraini citizens the first choice in the labor market. These efforts contribute to achieving SDG 10 by fostering decent work and economic growth.
Applied Science University’s (ASU) Commitment to SDG 10
Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain actively supports SDG 10 through various initiatives:
- Non-Discriminatory Employment Practices: ASU’s Employment Policy emphasizes transparency, impartiality, and merit-based decision-making in staff-related matters. This aligns with SDG 10 by promoting fair employment practices.
- Equality and Diversity Policy: The university’s policy reinforces its commitment to non-discrimination and equality of opportunity for all stakeholders, including staff, students, visitors, contractors, and service providers. This approach supports the creation of a fair and inclusive work environment, contributing to reduced inequalities.
Through these policies and practices, ASU demonstrates its dedication to fostering a supportive and equitable environment, thereby contributing to the broader objectives of SDG 10 in Bahrain.
Dr.Moaiad Khder Presented a Paper in the Parliamentary Forum for People of Determination 2023 Bahrain
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PND-V8-Issue16-24-July-23.pdf
The Parliamentary Forum for People of Determination 2023 was opened on May 31, 2023, under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and was organized by the General Secretariat of the House of Representatives in collaboration with a number of relevant official and civil authorities. The forum discussed the challenges confronting this group and presented solutions and methods to empower people of determination and their involvement and empowerment in society, through (an opening session and four general discussion sessions), which included 12 papers, stories, and inspiring experiences in various fields of work and development, and the conference issued 43 recommendations. It was presented by professionals from centers and associations specializing in people of determination, universities and research centers, important governmental bodies and agencies, and legislative authority members from the Shura Council and the House of representatives. His Excellency Representative Mamdouh Abbas Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Services Committee, moderated the second discussion session on services (health, education, and housing). The first paper was titled: Empowering Determined People in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Education Sector: Reality, Challenges, Future, and the Role of Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Moaiad Khder, Head of the Computer Science Department, delivered the presentation, emphasizing that the Kingdom of Bahrain has achieved significant progress in empowering people of determination, , where the government adopted a variety of legislation and programs to promote the integration of persons with determination in all aspects of society and in numerous industries, including education (he explored how Applied Science University supports students with special needs: In accordance with Bahrain laws regarding persons with special needs and academic policies at Applied Science University.
The university welcomes students with special needs. Physical impairment, temporary injuries, learning problems, and attention deficit are some of the special needs. The university is committed to ensuring strict confidentiality in the records of students with special needs. The report indicates that there are still many areas that can be improved and issues that must be addressed in order to ensure that persons with determination have equal opportunities to get quality education. He emphasized that the issues confronting people with determination in Bahrain’s education sector can be solved through a variety of ways, one of the most promising of which is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance inclusive education.
Fully Equipped Building for Determined Students
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs6Jg6VNHNX/?img_index=1
“Providing a suitable learning environment for determined students is a crucial priority that the university is committed to implementing effectively. To achieve this goal, the building has been fully equipped to accommodate our dedicated students, ensuring that all necessary facilities are in place for their convenient and easy access to classrooms and administrative offices.
Additionally, the academic and administrative staff at the university are ready to offer support and assistance to determined students in all aspects of university life. Everyone is focused on delivering lessons and study materials tailored to students’ needs, as well as providing appropriate educational resources. They also provide technical support and assistance for assistive equipment that students might require, such as laptops, audio aids, and specialized software for those with mobility impairments.
Psychological and social support is available through the Counseling Office within the Student Affairs Department. Furthermore, the university is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and creates opportunities for all students to excel. By prioritizing the needs of determined students and offering comprehensive support, the university aims to create an inclusive and empowering educational experience.”
Participation in the 2023 Parliamentary Forum for Determined Individuals
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs6Jg6VNHNX/?img_index=1
“The university’s participation in the 2023 Parliamentary Forum for Determined Individuals, held under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Salman Al Muslim, President of the Parliament, was notable. Dr. Muayyad Khudhair, the Head of the Computer Department, presented a working paper titled ‘Empowering Determined Individuals in the Education Sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain: Current Situation, Challenges, Future, and the Role of Artificial Intelligence.’
Moreover, students and graduates of the university actively took part in the accompanying exhibition during the forum. Determined students Nur Al Huda Rabee, Jasim Al Ayyash, and graduate Fatima Al Dooi shared their experiences and success stories during their university journey. They highlighted how the university provided them with the suitable conditions to assist them in completing their academic pursuits.”
Sign Language Workshop
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“The Cultural Club at the Applied Sciences University organized a workshop on sign language, delivered by both Ms. Abir Saloom and Mr. Turki Al Ajmi. This event took place in conjunction with the Arab Deaf Week on Sunday, 23rd April 2017.”
BENEFIT announces sponsorship of International Conference and Exhibition for the “People of Determination”
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced their sponsorship of the International Conference and Exhibition for the “People of Determination” taking place on the 13th and 14th of September 2022 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Convention Centre. The event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Envoy for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs.
The conference, hosted by the National Society for the Support of Education and Training, provides an excellent opportunity to showcase and explore the finest and latest innovations, technologies, products and services in the special needs field from across the world, which will improve the lives of people with disabilities. Parents with special needs children will be exposed to societies, associations, and centers aimed at “People of Determination”, in addition to receiving a free psychological and educational evaluation from professionals and consultants at the event.
The event seeks to create awareness among all segments of society, particularly parents and guardians, academic and scientific organizations, researchers and professionals, persons with special needs, and other individuals and organizations in the Kingdom. Furthermore, it also aims to contribute to the integration of “People of Determination” in several sectors, with the hopes of incentivizing organizations in both public and private sectors to provide employment opportunities for these gifted people, as well as to raise awareness on the multiple categories of “People of Determination,” which include autism, learning difficulties such as dyslexia and ADHD, Down Syndrome, mild mental retardation, physical disabilities, hearing and visual impairments, and others.
Adel Al-Kooheji Seniors Manager PR & Corporate Communications, at BENEFIT, commented on the initiative, “We are thrilled to be supporting the International Conference and Exhibition for the “People of Determination” as sponsors. This is an initiative that takes concrete measures toward identifying Bahrain’s special needs landscape and provides a networking platform for all leaders involved in the inclusion and empowerment of people with special needs across the country, and it is a true honor to be a part of it. Our vision at BENEFIT is perfectly aligned with this effort, as we aspire to shape the future of society, inspire individuals to unleash their power, and to unlock new opportunities, and this would not be feasible without a commitment to integrating people with special needs into mainstream society.”
The People Of Determination International Exhibition and Conference supports Bahrain’s commitment to creating an inclusive society by bringing together an association for disabled people, educators, social workers, key policymakers, consultants and professionals, philanthropists, and many more. Furthermore, Bahrain prioritizes persons with special needs, ensuring their rights as equal members of society, and honors their contributions to society and their support towards Sustainable Development Goals.
Bahrain Achieve 10th Sustainable Development Goal to Reduce Inequality
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.
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.
Celebrating The International Day for Persons with Disabilities
Under the patronage of H. E. Professor Ghassan Fouad Aouad, President of Applied Science University, the Community Engagement Office organized “Disability is not the End” ceremony on the occasion of the World Day for Disability. The event was established at Abdullah Nass Hall in the University on 22 February 2021. H.E. Former Lebanese Minister of Education and Vice President of the American University of Beirut, Professor Hasan Diab, H.E. Mohammed Bin Abdullah AlSinan Chairman of Municipal Council of Muharraq Governorate, and H.E. Municipal Council Member Yusuf Bin Ahmed AlThawadi attended the Celebration.
In addition, audience include a number of disability challengers champions, personalities and associations of people with disabilities, including Bahrain Deaf Society, Bahrain Friendship Society for the Blind, Bahrain Mobility International, Down Syndrome, Ta’awn Centre, voluntary teams, and a number of academic and administrative staff and students from the University. The ceremony began with playing the National authem, and the read verses from the Holy Quran by the reader Mahmoud Habil (blind). After that, Prof. Ghassan Awad delivered a speech on this occasion. A film has been displayed during the celebration about challenging disabilities titled “The Begin of a Life”; the story of the film and screenplay and dialogue provided by Samir Abdullah Ali, starring by Mohammed Nami and Mishal AlDosari (student), and with the representation of students: Yousif Janahi, Ali AlKaabi, Salem Olayan, Mohammed AlKaabi, filming and editing by Khalifa AlYasi (student), and the idea and supervision provided by Mr. Thaer Mustafa Fahmi. After that, Ms. Abeer AlSalloum, Coach in the field of motivation and change (hearing impairment) presented a lecture about changing the thinking style and improving the society’s perception about persons with disabilities, Then the artist Ahmed Fawaz (blind) played a musical clip, followed by the submission of the disability challengers’ champions successful experiences and their stories to the audience. The experiments included the first deaf Coach in the Arab world Mr. Turki AlAjmi, coach of human development Yousif AlMarzouki (impaired mobility), radio and television announcer Mr. Mohamed AlHamri (blind), the first deaf that get a bachelor’s degree from University of Bahrain Mrs. Seema AlNawakhzeh and displayed the experience of Engineer Latifa Khaled the owner of engineering project specialist to disabilities.
Applied Science University Participated in “Walking with the Blind” March
https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/presidents-news-digest-v7/
On Saturday, 20 October 2018, Applied Science University was represented by a Group of its Staff and Students participated in “Walking with the Blind” March, which was held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Governor of the Capital Governorate; and organized by Friendship Society of the Blind with the support of Applied Science University under the theme “The Society Support for the Blind … It is our Duty.” On the occasion of the International Day of the white stick near AlFateh Coast. ASU and many civil society organisations, citizens, and residents participated in the walking march. The Governor of the Capital Governorate assured that the support of the community for people with special needs has an essential role in raising the level of determination and will to them to achieve their aspirations, explaining that the helpless person is incapable of the mind not the body; noting that the Capital Governorate pays great attention to those with special needs and activates their role and integration into society, in order to activate the role of community partnership in the service of society and citizens and residents alike. President of Friendship Society of the Blind Mr Hussein Al-Halibi thanked the Governor of the Capital Governorate for his continuous support to the society over many years, he rganized on the significant support of ASU and the participation of the University Staff and Students in this event, and he also thanked the Ministries, the Supporting Bodies and the Civil Society Organisations for their participation. He pointed out that the day of the white stick urges the support of the blind humanely and socially. The participation of ASU staff and Students is a continuous effort to support people with special needs and community as it is part of the activity series in community engagement.
Participating in “Walking with the Blind” March 2019
https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/presidents-news-digest-v7/
Under the patronage of HE Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Governor of the Capital Governorate; and as a part of the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University initiatives, ASU presented by Professor Ghassan Aouad the President and a large number of academic and administrative staff, students, and alumni; participated in “Walking with the Blind” March 2019, which Friendship Society of the Blind organised under the Theme “The Society Support for the Blind … It is our Duty.” On the occasion of the International Day of the white stick. The march was held on October 12th, 2019 near AlFateh Coast. ASU participation came to fulfil its vision and mission to support the Bahraini society in all its segments. The University attaches great importance to serving the community by strengthening its services to support humanitarian initiatives in various fields and with all categories, especially those with special needs. It is worth mentioning that the University is keen to participate in events that serve the community and enrich volunteer work at various levels. It organized many events that reinforce its role in engaging with the community by hosting events highlighting the needs of special needs.
A Special Day for Down Syndrome Care Center at Applied Science University
https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/presidents-news-digest-v7/
On the occasion of the Kingdom’s 47th Glorious National Day and 19th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne, and as part of Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University initiatives in supporting the community; the University received Down Syndrome Care Center and prepared a special day for them by rganized number of activities for them. ASU Academic and Administrative Staff, and Students participated in the activities that were rganized to the visitors such as drawing, playing games, face painting, doing magic with the magician, singing, dancing, and distributing gifts to the visitors. At the beginning of the day, the visitors had a warm welcome from the University. After that, the activities started by playing the National Anthem and distributing Kingdom of Bahrain flags to the visitors, then singings songs and poetries about the occasion of the Kingdom’s 47th Glorious National Day and 19th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne. The visitors had a fantastic time with the different activities, and they were pleased, they enjoyed the magic tricks provided by the magician, painting on pottery, face painting, participating in competitions, singing, dancing, and getting gifts. Also, a Number of Public Figures and Artists has been invited to participate in the activities of the event. At the end of the visit that was on Wednesday, 12 December 2018, Down Syndrome Care Center management thanked Applied Science University for the memorable day and for supporting special needs and the community in general.
Applied Science University Celebration on the Occasion of the International Day of Awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder “You Are Not Alone”
https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/presidents-news-digest-v7/
Under the Patronage of His Excellency Mr Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of Shura Council, and as a part of Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University Initiatives; the International Organization for Child Protection in collaboration with Applied Science University rganized “You Are Not Alone” celebration. The celebration was held on the occasion of the International Day of Awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder with the presence of His Excellency Mr Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of Shura Council, and Prof Ghassan Fouad Aouad, President of Applied Science University on Saturday, 6 April 2019.The Ceremony was opened by Prof Ghassan Fouad Aouad speech. In his speech, Prof Ghassan welcomed and thanked His Excellency Mr Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of Shura Council for patronage the celebration, and thanked the Regional Office of the International Organization for Child Protection in the Kingdom of Bahrain and all participants, organisations and supporters. “Our goal of this event is to raise awareness of autism among all groups of society and to identify, even in a simple way, the suffering of children or their dependents, Prof Ghassan said. Prof Ghassan also thanked the Ministry of Education for providing opportunities to integrate autistic children in public schools in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Ceremony also included honouring the parents and the participating and supporting parties, followed by a play presented by the students of ASU in cooperation with the students of Rifaa Al Sharqi School for Boys under the title “Do you want me?” The University also presented a video called “My Story”, which recounted the story of a child with autism and how parents and society deal with its situation. The Ceremony ended with the participation of the child Nasser Habeel, which it was a sports show, and the graduate student Hajar Al-Manaa by presenting an educational entertainment website for children with autism. ASU also hosted kids from Autism centres and rganized a number of activities and games for them. Social and Health Centres and Participants from the local community participated in the exhibition, that was held during the Ceremony. A group of ASU students also participated in the exhibition by presenting artworks related to Autism. At the end of the celebration, Prof Ghassan and Mr Salman Al-Subaie Manager of Regional Office of the International Organization for Child Protection in the Kingdom of Bahrain honoured all the participating bodies and the voluntary rganizednal committees, which contributed to the success of the event.