SDG 5 Gender Equality

Encouraging Applications by Women to Underrepresented Subjects

Beirut Arab University

THE Impact Rankings Evidence Report Indicator 5 3 4

Question Does the University as a body encourage applications by women in subjects where they are underrepresented through university outreach and through collaboration with other universities, community groups, government or NGOs in regional or national campaigns

Recommended response Yes for both routes

Primary underrepresented subject area Engineering, computer science and other STEM and technical fields

Evidence period Current institutional commitments and implementation evidence from 2021 to 2026, with one clearly labelled historical campaign precedent from 2017

Direct answer

Yes. BAU publicly states that it encourages women to pursue engineering, computer science and other technical degrees through scholarships, mentoring, research opportunities, events and workshops. The University implements this commitment through its IEEE Women in Engineering presence, a 2024 STEM mentoring programme and continuing orientation activity. BAU also works with professional bodies and civil society partners. Its historical Girls Got IT campaign provides direct evidence of schoolgirl outreach with NGOs, government patronage and UNICEF support, while the 2024 to 2025 Her Civic Quest partnership provides recent evidence of sustained collaboration for women in underrepresented leadership and civic spaces.

Executive Assessment

BAU meets indicator 5.3.4 through a connected recruitment and participation pathway. Its current institutional SDG 5 statement identifies STEM as an underrepresented domain and describes scholarships, mentoring, research opportunities, workshops and stereotype reduction as the mechanisms used to encourage women. Recent Faculty of Engineering activity demonstrates implementation. External partnerships add professional role models, structured mentoring and broader campaigns that make nontraditional pathways more visible and credible to women.

Institutional Commitment to Women in Underrepresented Subjects

Current SDG 5 Commitment

BAU's current SDG 5 page identifies STEM as an underrepresented domain for women and states that the University encourages female students to pursue engineering, computer science and other technical degrees. It names scholarships, mentoring programmes, research opportunities, events and workshops as the mechanisms used to support this objective. This is the most direct current institution-wide statement matching indicator 5.3.4.

Original evidence BAU SDG 5 Gender Equality page

Beirut Arab University and SDG 5: Empowering Women, Especially in Underrepresented Domains

Beirut Arab University (BAU) is actively contributing to the advancement of SDG 5 through its policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that encourages women’s participation in all academic and professional fields, particularly in underrepresented domains such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Gender Equality in Education:

BAU promotes gender equality within its academic programs, ensuring that female students have equal access to education in all fields. Women make up a significant portion of the student body at BAU, with many excelling in fields traditionally dominated by men, such as engineering, information technology, and business. By providing equal opportunities for women in higher education, BAU supports the advancement of women in various professional sectors.

Empowering Women in STEM Fields:

BAU is actively working to empower women in STEM fields, which are often underrepresented by women in Lebanon. The university encourages female students to pursue degrees in engineering, computer science, and other technical fields through scholarships, mentorship programs, and research opportunities. BAU also hosts events and workshops aimed at breaking down gender stereotypes and encouraging women to pursue careers in these critical sectors.

Research on Gender Equality:

BAU contributes to research on gender equality through its social sciences and humanities programs. The university’s faculty and students engage in research that examines gender disparities in Lebanon, the role of women in society, and strategies for promoting gender equality. This research is crucial in informing policies and initiatives that support the advancement of women’s rights in Lebanon.

Women in Leadership and Academic Roles:

BAU is committed to promoting women in leadership and academic roles within the university. Female faculty members hold key positions in various departments, and women are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the university’s administration. By promoting women in leadership, BAU sets an example for the broader Lebanese society and contributes to breaking down barriers to women’s advancement in academic and professional spheres.

Supporting Female Entrepreneurs:

BAU supports female entrepreneurship through its business and entrepreneurship programs. The university offers specialized courses and workshops for women interested in starting their own businesses, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. BAU also collaborates with local and international organizations to provide mentorship and funding opportunities for female entrepreneurs, helping them overcome the financial and societal barriers that often limit women’s participation in the business world.

Campus Initiatives and Gender Awareness:

BAU actively promotes gender awareness on campus through various initiatives aimed at raising awareness about gender equality and women's rights. The university organizes seminars, conferences, and workshops on topics such as gender-based violence, women’s health, and economic empowerment. These events provide students with a platform to discuss gender issues and advocate for greater equality both on campus and in society.

Collaboration with Women’s Rights Organizations:

BAU collaborates with local women’s rights organizations and NGOs to promote gender equality and empower women. These partnerships enable the university to offer support services for female students, such as legal advice, counseling, and mentorship programs. Through these collaborations, BAU contributes to the broader movement for gender equality in Lebanon.

While Lebanon has made significant strides in advancing gender equality, challenges remain in ensuring full gender parity across all sectors of society. The Lebanese government, alongside civil society organizations, has been working to improve women’s political representation, economic participation, and legal rights, though cultural barriers and gaps in the legal framework persist.

Beirut Arab University plays a critical role in promoting SDG 5 by providing equal educational opportunities for women, supporting female students in underrepresented fields like STEM, and fostering an inclusive environment that encourages women to excel academically and professionally. Through its focus on research, leadership, and community engagement, BAU is helping to empower women and advance gender equality in Lebanon.

Equality and Diversity Foundation

The Equality and Diversity Policy provides the institutional basis for targeted encouragement. BAU commits to equal opportunities in education and personal development regardless of gender, recognises that fairness can require different treatment to achieve equality, and assigns responsibility for mainstreaming equality throughout University functions. This supports positive outreach where women remain underrepresented rather than limiting BAU to formally identical treatment.

Original evidence BAU Equality Diversity and Inclusion framework

Equality and Diversity Policy

The official BAU EDI page presents a standing Equality and Diversity Policy applying to staff students and external stakeholders. It commits the University to an inclusive working learning and social environment and states that no person should be disadvantaged because of protected characteristics including sex pregnancy family responsibilities and gender related status. The policy places equality within university functions rather than treating it as a temporary event or a faculty level initiative.

Original evidence Equality and Diversity Policy

Beirut Arab University Equality and Diversity Policy

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Policies-and-Procedures

Beirut Arab University is committed to ensuring that no-one is disadvantaged as a consequence of their age, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender reassignment, family responsibilities, marital status, pregnancy, religion or political belief, sex and sexual orientation or offending background.

As part of this commitment the University will address issues of discriminatory practice towards staff, students, and external stakeholders. This commitment is reflected in the University’s values which include the promotion of equality and diversity.

Policy Statement

Beirut Arab University strives towards creating a working, learning and social atmosphere which is inclusive and harmonious.

The University will achieve this by:

• Embracing a positive attitude towards the promotion of equality on the basis of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation to ensure all reach their full potential.

• Further embedding equality and diversity into both academic and non-academic induction and training courses.

• Being prepared to understand that fairness and equality is not always about treating people similarly, but can sometimes mean treating people differently.

• Acknowledging and celebrating the breadth of experiences and perspectives that people from diverse backgrounds bring to the life of the University.

• Eliminating discrimination and prejudice by empowering people to treat each other with respect.

The University’s Approach

The University believes that the most effective way to promote equality and eradicate discrimination is to mainstream the consideration of equality across its functions. In this respect, all employees, students, and visitors to the University have an individual duty to ensure that equality and diversity is actively promoted.

Ultimate responsibility for overseeing this approach rests with the Board of Governors which delegates responsibility to the Principal and Vice Chancellor who, in turn is assisted by the Executive. To ensure there is effective leadership within the University, one of the Vice-Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellors assumes the role of having overall strategic responsibility for the promotion of equality and for the mainstreaming of equality and diversity and is supported by the Equality and Diversity Sub-Committee (EDSC).

Implementation

• Mainstreaming equality and diversity is the responsibility of the EDSC, comprised of membership from a wide range of the university’s administrative functions and staff and students to ensure it represents staff and student experiences at the University.

• The mainstreaming of equality and diversity includes ensuring that staff are aware of their responsibilities, the University does this through mandatory new staff training and periodic refresher training, both of which are embedded in the University’s values and strategy.

• The University is committed to creating and promoting a working and learning environment where everybody is treated with respect.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that the University has an effective Equality and Diversity Policy.

• Ensure that the University’s equality and diversity policies and action plans are regularly reviewed and updated as necessary, to ensure compliance with all statutory obligations.

• Make available the necessary resources for the effective operation of all University activities.

• Ensure that responsibility for equality and diversity is properly assigned and promote active acceptance of this responsibility throughout the University.

• Work to secure a culture of active engagement with equality and diversity issues.

University Outreach Route

Targeted STEM Messaging

BAU's public sustainability material does more than state that women may enter every programme. It identifies engineering, computer science and technical fields as areas requiring encouragement and names practical mechanisms that make these pathways attractive and achievable. Publicly communicating scholarships, mentoring, research opportunities and workshops helps prospective applicants assess whether they will receive support after entry.

Original evidence BAU SDG 5 commitment to women in STEM

International Womens Day STEM Mentoring

On 18 March 2024, the Faculty of Engineering's IEEE and Women in Engineering communities launched a mentoring programme aimed at empowering women in STEM. The programme featured a woman mentor, highlighted women's contributions to STEM, offered graduation guidance and announced personalised one-to-one mentoring. The online format enabled participation from different locations. For recruitment, this activity provides visible evidence that BAU's technical programmes include women-specific professional and academic support.

Original evidence International Womens Day Mentoring Program 18 March 2024

International Women s Day Mentoring Program 18th March

IEEE and WIE celebrated International Women’s Day by launching a mentorship program aimed at empowering women in STEM fields. The highlight of the event was a mentoring session led by speaker Nadine Ajam, focusing on preparing women for graduation through guidance and a trivia Q&A activity highlighting women's contributions in STEM.

This engaging event took place online via Google Meet, allowing participants to join from anywhere. Moreover, additional sessions will be later organized for participants seeking personalized 1-on-1 mentoring with the speaker. These sessions will provide academic guidance and support to help participants prepare effectively for graduation.

Women in Engineering Visibility at Orientation

On 30 August 2023, the Faculty of Engineering introduced first-year students to IEEE and Women in Engineering through a presentation and information booth. Although this activity takes place after admission, it keeps women visible at the beginning of the engineering pathway and demonstrates an active support community that can be communicated to future applicants during admissions outreach.

Original evidence Engineering Orientation Day 30 August 2023

Orientation Day for First Year Students

During the orientation for first-year students, we introduced newcomers to IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and WIE (Women in Engineering). We began with a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation explaining what IEEE is and the advantages of becoming a member. Following the presentation, we set up an informational booth where students enthusiastically inquired about additional details regarding the society.

Outreach Mechanism

• Women are shown that engineering and computing are intended and supported pathways for them

• Women professionals and mentors provide credible technical role models

• Mentoring reduces uncertainty about progression, graduation and careers

• Scholarships and research opportunities address practical and academic barriers

• Public workshops challenge stereotypes that can discourage applications

Collaboration Route

IEEE Women in Engineering Collaboration

The 2024 mentoring programme was delivered through the Faculty of Engineering's IEEE and Women in Engineering communities. IEEE and WIE connect BAU students to a recognised professional network in electrical, electronic, computing and related technical fields. This gives the encouragement route an external professional dimension and exposes women to mentors, networks and recognised technical communities beyond a single course or department.

Original evidence BAU IEEE and WIE STEM mentoring evidence

International Women s Day Mentoring Program 18th March

IEEE and WIE celebrated International Women’s Day by launching a mentorship program aimed at empowering women in STEM fields. The highlight of the event was a mentoring session led by speaker Nadine Ajam, focusing on preparing women for graduation through guidance and a trivia Q&A activity highlighting women's contributions in STEM.

This engaging event took place online via Google Meet, allowing participants to join from anywhere. Moreover, additional sessions will be later organized for participants seeking personalized 1-on-1 mentoring with the speaker. These sessions will provide academic guidance and support to help participants prepare effectively for graduation.

Her Civic Quest and Madanyat

From November 2024 to July 2025, BAU's Human Rights Center cooperated with the Madanyat Foundation for Equality on Her Civic Quest. The project empowered 50 female university students in leadership, gender justice, political participation, environmental protection and conflict resolution. Participants designed campus initiatives, including student political representation and women's empowerment activities. This is recent evidence that BAU collaborates with an NGO to build women's participation in fields and decision-making spaces where they remain underrepresented.

Original evidence Her Civic Quest closing ceremony 4 July 2025

Closing Ceremony of Her Civic Quest Project Empowering Young Women and Enhancing Civic Participation at the University

The Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, in cooperation with the Madaniyat Foundation for Equality, organized the closing ceremony of the “Her Civic Quest” project, which was launched in November 2024. This project lasted several months with the aim of empowering 50 female university students in the fields of leadership, gender justice, political participation, environmental protection and conflict resolution.

The ceremony started with welcoming speeches by BAU Secretary-General and the Director of the Human Rights Center, Dr. Omar Houri, and the Project Coordinator at the Madaniyat Foundation Ms. Nadine Al-Hajj Hussein.

In his speech, Dr. Omar Houri stressed that "this project represents an effective model for enhancing student participation in social justice and human rights issues on campus," noting that "the enthusiasm and commitment we have seen among female students reflects the importance of investing in the energies of youth, especially in the areas of leadership and advocacy, as an essential step towards building more just and inclusive societies."

He added, "The Human Rights Center will continue to support and keep pace with these initiatives within a sustainable vision".

The program included a video presentation summarizing the project's most prominent milestones, followed by the participating students presenting their personal and professional experiences within the project, in addition to presenting the work plans that will be implemented in the university campus during the fall semester of 2025.

The ceremony also included two dialogue sessions with the participation of female students and the interventions of governance and local development expert Dr. Josephine Zogheib and lawyer Manar Zaiter, where ways to enhance the role of young women in civil and leadership spaces were discussed.

The participating students developed three initiatives during the project, which will be implemented with support from the Human Rights Center and in coordination with the Madaniyat Foundation. These initiatives aim to achieve a sustainable impact on the university environment and revolve around:

• Environment: through awareness campaigns and activating recycling activities on campus.

• Student political representation: by launching a democratic electoral system that enhances effective student participation.

• Empowering women: by organizing workshops, implementing awareness campaigns, and providing basic personal hygiene supplies in university facilities.

External UN Corroboration

UN Women reported in September 2025 on the joint Women’s Participation in Leadership programme led with UNDP. The report features a Beirut Arab University student participating in programme workshops and explains that university campuses are being used to help young women overcome barriers to leadership and political participation. This external source corroborates BAU's involvement in a multi-institution national effort.

Original evidence UN Women feature on women leadership in universities

Lebanon’s Young Women Redefine Leadership in Universities

Amid Lebanon’s multiple crises, a new generation of young women is stepping forward with the UN's support, claiming their roles as leaders, not mere observers.

When someone raised their voice in a room, Reem Herzallah’s instinct was always to leave. The Beirut Arab University student avoided conflict, believing that her place was to stay quiet while others dominated the conversation.

“I thought I had no role when the discussion got heated,” she admits softly. “I used to think leadership was for people louder than me.”

Today, Reem is the one guiding those conversations. “Now I know how to lead that dialogue. I understand our role as young women in shaping the spaces we belong to.”

Reem’s journey from silence to voice is not just her own; it reflects a broader transformation taking root across four major universities in Lebanon, namely the Lebanese University, Université Saint-Joseph, the American University of Beirut, and the Beirut Arab University.

Under the broader UN-led Women’s Participation in Leadership (WIPL) project, campuses have become spaces for dialogue, leadership training, and inclusive participation, helping young women step into roles where their voices truly matter.

Finding Confidence

Lebanon’s young people are coming of age amid economic downturn, political instability, and recurring conflict. For young women, the barriers to leadership are even higher.

To address this, the United Nations in Lebanon, through UN Women and UNDP, partnered with four universities in Lebanon to create safe and inclusive spaces where students could practice civic leadership. Around 250 young women joined workshops and community projects that gave them more than skills; they gave them courage.

At the American University of Beirut, Dana Al Hachem recalls how lost in her first year. “I didn’t know what to expect, and I felt completely alone,” she says. But after joining the UN-supported program, Dana began speaking up, organizing events, and even mentoring peers. “Now I love helping younger women who are like me, whether in academics, clubs, or student life.”

Role Models that Spark Change

For many, the turning point came when they met women leaders who looked like them.

“Everything shifted when I attended an UN-facilitated dialogue with MPs on women’s political participation,” says Leony Lawandos. “They didn’t just challenge the system; they claimed space in it. They showed me we don’t need permission; we already belong at the table as equal citizens.”

Another student, Jenna Kheireddine, was inspired watching MP Halima Kaakour speak out in Parliament. “We have the right to be heard not only on gender issues but on all issues,” she says. “We’re the same as men and everyone else at that table, and we deserve respect.”

Safe Spaces in a Time of Crisis

When Lebanon’s crises felt overwhelming, Nouhad Hajj from the Lebanese University found refuge in Ondes’ theater-based leadership exercises.

“Every moment we worked together, I could feel something shifting inside me,” she said. “We created a safe, non-judgmental space where everyone’s voice mattered.” Those improvised scenes revealed her power to speak truths and listen deeply. That stage became the launching pad for Nouhad’s own storytelling workshops, where solidarity turns pain into resilience.

Redefining Leadership

What unites these journeys is the reimagining of leadership itself. For these students, leadership is not about hierarchy or loud voice, it is about inclusivity, courage, and creating space for others to lead.

In a country where women hold less than 7 percent of parliamentary seats and youth voices are often sidelined, these shifts may seem subtle, but they are profound. They hint at a new kind of civic life, one where young women not only belong but also set the tone.

As Jenna puts it: “Now when I speak, I no longer wonder if I belong. I know I do, and I’ll keep that space open for others too, ensuring women are heard and respected on all issues.”

These initiatives are implemented by UN Women and UNDP with the support of the Government of Canada, in close partnership with several local stakeholders.

All of these young women’s stories would not have been possible without the generous support from the Government of Canada, one of Lebanon’s top donors. Since 2016, Canada has contributed almost $540 million USD to Lebanon, strengthening protection, gender equality, social stability, food security, and health, among others. Canada is also a strong champion of pooled funding, supporting both the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund (LHF) and the Lebanon Recovery Fund (LRF). Further details on international assistance to Lebanon are available in the Lebanon Aid Tracking reports: https://lebanon.un.org/en/110415-aid-lebanon-tracking-development-aid-received-lebanon

Recent Implementation Evidence

Evidence from 2023 to 2025

The strongest dated recent evidence forms a sequence. In 2023, Women in Engineering was introduced to new engineering students. In 2024, IEEE and WIE launched a targeted mentoring programme for women in STEM. In 2024 to 2025, BAU worked with Madanyat and the wider UN Women and UNDP programme to strengthen women's leadership and participation. Together, these activities show that the University sustains women-focused support through internal outreach and external collaboration.

Application Relevance

These activities matter to applications because women considering technical or leadership pathways can see the support environment before and after entry. The combination of public institutional messaging, women-specific networks, visible role models, mentoring and collaborative programming reduces the perceived risk of choosing a field in which women have historically been less represented.

Current Admissions Pathway

BAU's Prospective Students page provides the route from interest to application through published requirements and online and paper application channels. When linked from women-focused STEM outreach, this gives prospective students a clear next step into the University's engineering, science and computing programmes.

Original evidence BAU Prospective Students admissions page

Historical Campaign Precedent

Girls Got IT at BAU Tripoli

On 13 May 2017, BAU Tripoli hosted Girls Got IT in cooperation with the Lebanese League for Women in Business and in partnership with Digital Opportunity Trust, Arab Women in Computing Lebanon, Women in Engineering and Women in Technology. The programme was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and supported by UNICEF with funding from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

More than 450 girls aged 14 to 17 from public and private schools in Northern Lebanon attended 21 workshops to explore engineering and technology. BAU's official account states that the initiative encouraged girls, including those from marginalised communities, to experience information technology and STEM as career choices and to help bridge the gender gap in technology-related fields.

Original evidence BAU Girls Got IT campaign evidence

BAU Tripoli Campus hosted the Girls Got IT on Campus

Beirut Arab University- Tripoli Campus in cooperation with the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB) in partnership with DOT, ArabWIC Lebanon, Wie, WIT, and under the Patronage of Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE ) and sponsored by UNICEF through a generous funding from the Kingdom of Netherlands, organized "Girls Got IT". This event which gathered over 450 Girls between the age of 14 & 17 coming from Northern public and private schools to explore Engineering and Technology".

The objective of the initiative was to encourage girls from public and private schools and from marginalized communities to experience the capabilities of IT (Information Technology) and STEM subjects (Science Technology Engineering, and Mathematic) in order to select them as career choices. This event also serves in promoting essential technology skills for today's global economy and to improve girls’ self-esteem through learning by using hands-on activities; in addition to bridging the gender gap in technology-related fields.

The Vice President for Tripoli Branch Affairs Prof. Khaled Baghdady congratulated all collaborators on this successful event announcing the commencement of the event by holding 21 different workshops opened by Ms. Asmahan Zein; president of LLWB and followed by welcoming speech from Dr. Wassim Itani; Director of the Center for Continuing & Professional Education & the Center for Entrepreneurship at BAU. The event included speeches for the Keynote Speakers for MEHE Representative; Ms. Nahla Hamati and UNICEF representative; Tamara Zakria and ended up by an inspirational speech for Zeina Daccache; Founder of Catharsis-Lebanese Center for Drama Therapy.

The event was concluded by Ms. Layal Jubran; CEO & Co-Founder at Mobarmij, Inc. and Ms. Hala Fadel; Co-Founder of Leap Ventures whereby awards were distributed.

Why This Evidence Remains Relevant

This event is outside the current five to six year evidence period and is therefore not used as the lead current evidence. It remains important as institutional precedent because it provides the clearest documented example of both parts of indicator 5.3.4 operating together: direct outreach to schoolgirls and collaboration with NGOs, government and an international organisation in a national STEM campaign.

Pathway from Outreach to Application

BAU's approach operates as a pathway rather than a single recruitment event. Outreach first challenges stereotypes and makes women in technical careers visible. Mentoring and professional networks then demonstrate that support continues after enrolment. Scholarships, research opportunities and transparent admissions routes make entry practicable. Collaborative partners extend the University's reach and add specialist expertise.

Whole University Contribution

• Sustainability leadership publishes the institution-wide commitment and THE evidence

• The Faculty of Engineering provides subject-specific WIE and mentoring activity

• Admissions provides transparent application routes into technical programmes

• The Human Rights Center builds women’s participation through NGO partnerships

• External professional and UN partners broaden expertise, networks and public reach

Evidence Strength and Scope

Current Direct Evidence

The current BAU SDG 5 and indicator 5.3.4 pages are direct institutional evidence that the University encourages women in engineering, computer science and technical fields. The dated March 2024 STEM mentoring programme demonstrates recent implementation through a named faculty and professional network.

Current Supporting Evidence

The August 2023 engineering orientation shows continuing visibility for Women in Engineering at entry. Her Civic Quest and the 2025 UN Women feature demonstrate current collaboration around leadership and political participation. These materials reinforce the institutional culture and collaboration route, although the core subject-specific application claim should remain anchored in STEM evidence.

Historical Direct Campaign Evidence

Girls Got IT is exceptionally strong for the wording of the indicator because it directly targeted secondary-school girls and combined University outreach with NGO, government and UNICEF participation. Its date means it should be presented as sustained institutional precedent rather than as a current-period event.

Submission Strength

The combined record supports a Yes response for both routes. The strongest presentation is precise: current institutional intent, recent subject-specific implementation, recent external collaboration, and a historical direct campaign model. This structure demonstrates continuity without treating older events as if they occurred in the current assessment period.

Evidence Matrix

Indicator Mapping

Submission Conclusion

Beirut Arab University encourages women to apply to and succeed in subjects where they are underrepresented. Its current institutional SDG 5 material specifically identifies engineering, computer science and other technical disciplines and describes scholarships, mentoring, research opportunities, events and workshops as the University's response. The Equality and Diversity framework provides institution-wide authority for positive action and equal opportunity.

Recent implementation is visible through the Faculty of Engineering. In August 2023, Women in Engineering was introduced during first-year orientation. In March 2024, IEEE and WIE launched a women-focused STEM mentoring programme that combined role models, graduation guidance and planned one-to-one support. Current collaboration is also demonstrated by the 2024 to 2025 Her Civic Quest project with Madanyat and the wider UN Women and UNDP leadership programme.

BAU's 2017 Girls Got IT campaign remains a significant historical precedent. It brought more than 450 schoolgirls to the Tripoli Campus for hands-on engineering and technology workshops delivered with NGOs, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and UNICEF support. Used alongside the current evidence, it demonstrates an established institutional model for converting collaboration into direct pre-university outreach.

Recommended Submission Narrative

Beirut Arab University actively encourages women to pursue subjects in which they have been historically underrepresented, particularly engineering, computer science and other STEM and technical fields. BAU's current SDG 5 framework identifies scholarships, mentoring, research opportunities, public events and workshops as mechanisms for attracting and supporting women in these disciplines. Implementation is demonstrated by the Faculty of Engineering's IEEE Women in Engineering activities. On 18 March 2024, IEEE and WIE launched a mentoring programme for women in STEM, including professional guidance, recognition of women's technical contributions and planned one-to-one mentoring. WIE was also presented to new engineering students during the 30 August 2023 orientation programme. BAU extends this work through collaboration. The Human Rights Center and Madanyat Foundation delivered Her Civic Quest from November 2024 to July 2025 for 50 women students, within the wider UN Women and UNDP Women’s Participation in Leadership programme. BAU also has a documented history of direct schoolgirl STEM outreach: its Tripoli Campus hosted more than 450 girls for Girls Got IT in partnership with Lebanese NGOs, under Ministry of Education and Higher Education patronage and with UNICEF support. Together, BAU's institutional commitment, recent STEM mentoring, professional networks, NGO collaboration and established campaign model support a Yes response for both university outreach and collaborative regional or national campaigns.

Final Response

Recommended selection Yes through university outreach and Yes through collaboration

Original Evidence Register

The sources below are the original BAU or partner pages used in this report and are provided for direct reviewer verification.