10.6.1 Admissions policy which is non-discriminatory
10.6.2 Tracking applications & admissions of underrepresented groups
10.6.3 Programmes to recruit students/staff/faculty from under-represented groups
10.6.4 Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies
10.6.5 Diversity and equality committee, office and/or officer
10.6.6 Mentoring/counselling programmes to support students, staff, faculty from underrepresented groups
10.6.7 Accessible facilities for people with disabilities
10.6.8 Support services for people with disabilities
10.6.9 Access schemes for people with disabilities
10.6.10 Reasonable accommodation policy/strategy implemented for persons with disabilities
Policy of non-discrimination
GUST code of Conduct Policy was issued in October 2nd 2013 and slightly modified in April 12th 2022.
In GUST Code of Conduct Policy, article I, Our commitment states:
The Gulf University of Science & Technology (GUST) is committed to the highest level of integrity and honesty in all of its affairs, without any kind of discrimination against women.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is GUST’s policy to recruit, employ and promote employees on the basis of their skills, qualifications and abilities required for the work to be performed, with no discrimination to race, color, religion, sex, age, social status, physical or mental disability or any other factor.
If outsourcing activities to third parties needed, then GUST takes all appropriate measures to ensure the equivalent rights of employees are met.
Harassment
GUST is committed to provide all employees with a work place that is free from harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, social status, physical or mental disability or any other factor. Harassment include all actions of verbal harassment, physical harassment, visual harassment or sexual harassment.
Community Outreach
At GUST we strongly believe in the importance of community outreach programs and partnerships. We believe that we have a social responsibility to give back and contribute to the development and improvement of, not only Kuwait, but the entire region as well. Our services include, but are not limited to, the following:
Partnerships with Civil Societies:
GUST has partnered with various civil societies to promote and emphasize the importance of community involvement. GUST has made available all its campus resources and facilities so that the civil societies would benefit from them in their campaigns, public lectures, and events.
Lectures, Arts, and Entertainment
The GUST calendar has numerous events and activities that are free and open to the public. Lectures on various topics include, but are not limited to, religion, politics, economics, and language arts. Moreover, the Student Union and our student clubs also organize events, carnivals, and concerts year round which students and the community can take advantage of. You can check for more over here.
Academic Scholarships
Every semester, GUST offers a limited number of internal GUST scholarships. GUST Scholarships cover full payment of tuition fees or a specific percentage of tuition fees. These scholarships are limited and, thus, highly competitive. This encourages and motivates individuals to excel academically and maintain high academic standards. For more information, you may see here.
Faculty Involvement in the Community
Many of our faculty members are involved in projects that aid the development of various sectors such as education and the economy. Moreover, they are conducting research that focuses on issues of great importance to our community and to its stability. GUST is also committed to building research centers so that students, faculty members, and the community will have access to abundant information which they would not have access to otherwise.
The Global Studies Center
The Global Studies Center at the Gulf University for Science and Technology in Kuwait conducts and supports research on cross-national topics. It examines political, economic, social, and cultural matters from a global perspective. We organize seminars, invite researchers, and publish a bi-annual newsletter. The Arabian Gulf region is not the only focus of our research. We are happy to function as partners for any kind of academic event. For all matters contact us at gsc@gust.edu.kw.
Research 2023-25
Global Citizenship in Kuwait: Perspectives and Obstacles
Global citizenship is the umbrella term for social, political, environmental, and economic actions of globally minded individuals and communities on a worldwide scale. It has gained popularity as one of the United Nation’s goals for human dignity, empowerment, and for positive change in societies.
Global citizenship attempts to cross over between different groups of people, surpassing separatist categories that continue to exclude people within societies.
Global citizenship aims to create more ethical, tolerant, and anti-racist youth cultures, gender equity, and disability inclusion.
Given the necessity of global citizenship today, this GSC research project aims to answer the question:
· What does it mean to be a global citizen today in Kuwait and in the Gulf and how can it be achieved?
· What are the roots of exclusion and racism, and how are these phenomena manifest in Gulf societies?
· How can policy-makers, educators, and researchers contribute to the creation and empowerment of global citizens in Kuwait?
The research project involves specialists in politics, education, culture, and media. Furthermore, researchers, administrators, activists, and non-profit organizations collaborate.
We work on the following topics:
· Identity politics and belonging
· Racial politics in Kuwait and the GCC
· The situation of migrant and domestic workers
· Gender inequalities, barriers to women’s inclusion at the workplace, women’s empowerment
· ‘Wokeism’ in Middle Eastern Cultures. This topic is covered by some contributors to the “Woke Conference,” especially Nesma Elsakaan and Jibril Latif
· Inclusion in schools, anti-bullying, and tolerance
· Disability and Education
· Slavery in the Gulf, research covered by GSC members in cooperation with Dr. Nesma Elsakaan and her research group from the University of Palermo.
· Attitudes towards minorities in the Gulf covered by Lisa Blaydes (Stanford University).
Objectives
The research is in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed by UNESCO. Within the framework of “SDG4 on Global Citizenship Education” and “UNESCO for the Gulf States and Yemen” the goal is to empower Students through Global Citizenship Education.
Expected Outcomes
The project might reveal some problematic issues concerning Global Citizenship in Kuwait.
It might help in creating and developing strategies to reduce or eliminate issues related to racism that can be dealt with in a white paper to be submitted by GUST to the supreme council of planning.
Student Code of Conduct
GUST is committed to providing a positive work and learning environment where all individuals are treated fairly and with respect. Intimidation and harassment have no place in a university community.
It is the responsibility of the University to utilize its resources toward the creation of quality academic programs and to provide a friendly campus environment, which is conducive to learning and personal development. Interactions among GUST students, faculty, and staff should reflect mutual respect and professionalism.
A student enrolled at GUST assumes an obligation to behave in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution. The GUST Code of Student Conduct generally shall be limited to conduct which occurs on the University premises, at University-sponsored, or University-supervised functions. However, GUST administration may take appropriate action against students for conduct on or off University premises in order to protect the physical safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Conduct, for which students are subject to sanctions, is described in detail in the University Code of Student Conduct.
Admission Requirements & Procedures
GUST follows a uniform policy with regard to admitting first-time students. Applicants are reviewed based on high school performance and achievement on the GUST English and Mathematics Placement Tests.
Applicants are encouraged to submit the results of a Test of English as a Foreign Language (iBT - TOEFL). Test scores must be no more than two years old at the time of application. Students who do not have a valid IBT score or International English Language Testing System(IELTS) score must take the GUST English Placement Test (Accuplacer™). Only IBT results from tests taken in Kuwait or North America will be accepted.
All applicants must submit the following documentation:
· Completed GUST Application Form. The form is available at the GUST Admissions Office.
· Official high school graduation diploma and transcripts
· An IBT TOEFL* score, IELTS score, or the results of a recently taken GUST English Placement Test (Accuplacer™).
· The GUST Mathematics Placement Test (Accuplacer™) is compulsory for all applicants.
· Personal Statement
· KD 25 non-refundable application fee
· Three recent passport-size photographs
· One certified copy of an officially recognized secondary school certificate
· A photocopy of the civil identity card and the passport which must include a valid residence permit for non-Kuwaitis
· The iBT TOEFL result must be from a center in Kuwait or from a center in an English speaking country.
Consultation with a pre-admission advisor is recommended. Placement tests are offered throughout the year, and applicants should contact the Office of Admissions and Registration for more information.
Applicants must submit their completed application, application fee, and all supporting documentation prior to the start of the semester for which they are applying for admission.
Information Accuracy
Any applicant who knowingly provides inaccurate, misleading or false information or who withholds material information may be denied entry to the University or be requested to withdraw at any time. In the event of false statements, omission of material information, and/or altered or false documentation, GUST reserves the right to determine the appropriate action. This may include dismissal from the University.
Additional Program Requirements
Computer Science Degree Requirement
To enter the GUST Computer Science degree program, applicants must have a high school diploma specializing in secondary school science or math curriculum.
Accepted Certificates
Certificates Awarded in Kuwait
Kuwaiti high school certificate (public schools, full-year courses, semester system).
High school certificate (private Arabic school or foreign schools: American, English, bilingual and others) approved by the Ministry of Education in Kuwait.
Certificates Awarded outside Kuwait
High school certificates from outside Kuwait must be original, stamped and authenticated by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the originating country as well as by the Kuwaiti Embassy in that country. Certificates then must be authenticated by the Ministry of Education in Kuwait (Private Education Department).
National secondary education certificates from a variety of countries are accepted by GUST. For further information regarding requirements for a specific country, please contact the GUST Office of Admissions and Registration.
Admission Categories
Early Admission
The early admission procedure is designed to assist final-year high school students in completing the registration formalities well ahead of the start of the semester they are applying for. High school students should submit an official record of scholastic achievement (transcript) during their last year of high school. This transcript should provide all information related to courses studied and grades achieved for the prior three years of their high school study.
Early admission students are not accepted at GUST until they have taken the GUST placement tests in English and Mathematics and their transcript for the final year showing the results of all courses studied has been reviewed by GUST’s Office of Admissions along with their official secondary school graduation certificate. Applicants in this category are not permitted to start classes until all admission requirements have been completed and all documentation submitted.
International Students
Students from foreign countries are admitted to GUST if they meet the GUST admission requirements and submit required documentation. International students are subject to Kuwait visa requirements. After accepting students, GUST can assist them in obtaining Kuwaiti residency. Visas will be granted upon full payment of the full fees for an academic year (two semesters). International students can apply through the University website: www.gust.edu.kw.
Transfer Students
Students wishing to transfer to GUST from another university approved by the Kuwait Ministry of Higher Education must meet the following requirements:
Students may transfer from universities that are accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, provided they have passed 24 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above. If the language of instruction of the prior institution was exclusively English, All students are required to take the GUST english placment test (AccuplacerTM) or the IBT TOEFL or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
GUST may accept up to 60 transfer credits from other accredited institutions. However, GUST policy with regard to acceptance of credits for courses taken at other approved institutions is on a course-by-course basis. Course content must be similar to that of the equivalent GUST course in terms of degree of difficulty, length, and depth of study, content covered, type of evaluation and rigor of assignments and class/project activities. In order to earn a degree from GUST, a minimum of 60 credits must be taken in residence, of these, 18 must be completed in the student’s major.
GUST will not accept for transfer credit any course fulfilling GUST’s General Education Requirement older than 10 years. In the case of courses in the Major field the limit is five years.
Transfer Credits from Colleges Granting Diplomas or Associate Degrees
Students may transfer from colleges such as the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), ACK, ACM, Boxhill and other community or junior colleges provided they take the iBT TOEFL or sit for the GUST English and Mathematics Placement Tests (Accuplacer™) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). GUST’s policy with respect to transfer credits varies according to the particular programs offered by the colleges. There are three general cases:
Students must have completed their diploma at the college and credits are transferred on course by course basis, e.g., Students transferring from PAAET must have a graduation diploma from the College of Business Studies
Students must have completed their diploma with a GPA decided by the Ministry of Higher Education which then is evaluated holistically and a fixed number of credits are given e.g., transfers from ACK and Boxhill College.
Students not falling in the two cases above follow the rules of university transfer students.
Non-Degree Seeking Applicants
An individual wishing to enroll in GUST credit course(s) who is either not seeking a degree or has not determined an appropriate degree major, may apply to the University as a non-degree-seeking student. Non-degree-seeking students may study at GUST at either the non-credit or credit course level. Non-degree students must meet the regular admission requirements of GUST for the particular program/course, and admission approval is granted with a limit of one calendar year of non-degree status. Regular course fees apply.
Registration Procedures
The Office of Admissions and Registration is responsible for the admission of students to all colleges of the University. Students accepted by GUST are eligible to register for courses during the dates indicated on the University Academic Calendar. Registration forms are available online.
Registration is subject to confirmation that the student has conformed to all University regulations. For example, a student will not be allowed to register with unpaid fees, overdue library books, incomplete admission documentation or an academic disqualification.
Online Apply on a Unified Link
Orientation Program
A freshman orientation is held every semester preceding the registration period. This orientation, which introduces University policies and procedures, is mandatory for all new students. Staff and faculty are present to meet the students and give them an insight into academic life at GUST.
Student clubs, activities and associations are introduced during the orientation. A tour of the campus facilities is coordinated by the Student Association and gives students an idea of their future on-campus life at GUST. Any questions by the students will be addressed through an open-panel discussion.
GUST Global Studies Center Discusses Lineages of Nationalism, Sectarianism, and Absolutism in Bahrain and the Gulf
Gulf University for Science and Technology’s (GUST) Global Studies Center (GSC) held its second lecture of the semester with one titled “Contested Modernity: Lineages of Nationalism, Sectarianism, and Absolutism in Bahrain and the Gulf”. The event was led by Dr. Omar Alshehabi, GUST Associate Professor in the Humanities & Social Sciences Department. He obtained a BA in PPE and an M.Phil and D.Phil. in Economics at Pembroke College, Oxford. The lecture was part of the GSC’s ongoing effort to bring outstanding speakers and stimulating topics to GUST and the wider community.
The lecture began with a discussion on Dr. Al-Shehabi’s newest book, Contested Modernity; Sectarianism, Nationalism, and Colonialism in Bahrain, and then delved into the topic by drawing on a previously unexamined Arabic literature, as well as British archives. Dr. Al-Shehabi argues that sectarianism emerged as a modern phenomenon in Bahrain during this period. It also heralded the birth of absolutist rule in the Gulf, under the tutelage of the British Raj, to counter nationalist and anti-colonial movements tied to the al-Nahda renaissance in the wider Arab world.
Guest Lecturer, Dr. Omar Al-Shehabi, said, “To the causes of some of today’s problems, it is imperative that we look more closely at our past. Having published my book, I hope that the truth about specific geopolitical maneuvers finally sees the light of day.”
Dr. Al-Shebabi has previously worked at the IMF, the World Bank, McKinsey, and taught at University College, Oxford. He is the Director of the Gulf Centre for Development Policies.
Director of the Global Studies Center, Dr. Shahd Al-Shammari said, “The GSC is an active center and holds public lectures. We welcome everyone to attend. Our lectures are a chance to network with people with similar interests. Our faculty regularly connects with the community.”
The GSC is a leading research center on global studies, and a vehicle for engaging both internal and external communities through stimulating events and lectures on global issues. The center aims to conduct cutting-edge research on cross-national political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental issues of critical importance, and share research output and information regionally and globally. The GSC seeks to foster public understanding of global issues with local significance.
GUST continues to build on its mission to become a knowledge-hub that benefits and engages students, academics, and the wider Kuwait community as a whole. For more information on upcoming events, visit https://gsc.gust.edu.kw/.
Maintaining a Positive Work and Learning Environment
Gulf University for Science and Technology is committed to providing a positive work and learning environment where all individuals are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their status. Intimidation and harassment have no place in a university community.
To honor the dignity and inherent worth of every individual member of the GUST community is a goal to which every member of the University should aspire and to which officials of the University should direct attention and resources. With respect to students, it is the University’s special responsibility to provide a positive climate in which students can learn. The Board of Trustees and all of GUST’s staff and faculty are expected to provide educational programs and otherwise direct resources to creative and serious measures designed to improve interpersonal relationships, to help develop healthy attitudes towards people, and to foster a climate in which students are treated as individuals rather than as members of a particular category of people and where learning is strongly valued.
Girls for Girls Workshop talking about the “Gathering Years at Work”
An interactive workshop that aims to introduce the Girls for Girls initiative and discuss the differing timeline perspective upon joining the workplace. Hosted by Nabila Abu Hantash a finance professional with 30 years of experience in commercial and investment banking whose education is Master in Public Admin and MBA – Finance, as well as Dr. Emily Goshy postdoctoral researcher specializing in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies
GIRLS 4 GIRLS (www.projectg4g.org) is a nonprofit initiative founded in May 2017 by a group of Women Harvard Alumni, as they felt that women remain underrepresented in leadership positions in public, private, and civil society. In 2021, Nabila Abu-Hantash, Harvard alumni and a colleague of the Co-founders, introduce this project to Kuwait as a civic initiative in partnership with the Women Cultural and Social Society. G4G-Kuwait is the first to run the program in Arabic and is doing so under the Umbrella of the Women Cultural and Social Society, established in 1963 as the First women-centric NGO. G4G runs the module at their premises with their moral and financial oversight. Its operation is within the mission, principles, and framework of G4G International i.e., towards ending economic and social discrimination against women with the aim of political, social, and economic justice.
The Team:
Nabila Abu-Hantash, G4G Country Lead
In 2020, Nabila Abu-Hantash, Harvard alumni and a colleague of the Co-founders, took it upon herself to introduce this project to Kuwait as a civic initiative and chose to partner with the Women Cultural and Social Society. The Society gave the program space and resources while Nabila ran the program and hosted the sessions. On the public service front, Nabila worked with women-centric NGOs aiding in raising funds diverted to women welfare and education of children. Currently, she is the Kuwait rep for Birzeit University providing communication strategies aiding in outreach, and logistical support, as well as being the country lead for initiative Girls for Girls, a program aiming to introduce leadership skills to girls at a young age. She is also closed to obtaining her certificate in Rapid Transformational Therapy within a never-ending journey of learning.
Dr. Emily Goshey Senior Mentor - G4G
Is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies. She completed her Ph.D. at Princeton University in 2019, where she received the Department of Religion’s award for excellence in undergraduate teaching. Her dissertation work on the Ibadi Muslims of Oman formed the basis of several fellowships and a postdoctoral position. She recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship on social action and global religious movements. She was jointly affiliated with the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) and the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity based in New York. A recent addition to the G4G Kuwait team, Dr. Goshey is passionate about gender equality in the Middle East, which has been the subject of some of her academic work. A member of the Women’s Cultural and Social Society (WCSS) and a mother of three girls, she believes that Kuwait as a whole will advance when women and men are equally empowered to contribute to society.
CTLR Collaborates with Microsoft on DigiGirlz Program
GUST’s Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research, collaborated with the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), Microsoft, and the Kuwait Ministry of Education, to host over 15 girls’ high schools on campus for the Microsoft DigiGirlz Program. The program is a digital skills program, aiming to inspire young women to pursue a career in technology.
The event was attended by senior officials including GUST President, Professor Walid Bouhamra, Microsoft General Manager, Charles Nahas, and Dr. Salam Al-Ablani, KFAS Scientific Culture Director.
The event welcomed a panel comprised of leading women in technology, including: Haya Al-Mana, Zain Kuwait’s Sustainability Manager, Noora Al-Askar, Founder of MyNutriBox App, and Arwa Al-Jaser, Founder of Mukkancom IT solutions company. The women all spoke about their journey in the field from how they started to how they succeeded. Students were then able to ask them questions about different aspects of z their experience.
The program then gave students the opportunity to learn about careers in technology, connect with Microsoft employees, and participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops.
Arnaud Lacheret: Woman is the Future of the Gulf
GSC Talk Series
Woman is the future of the Gulf: What Arabian modernity tells us
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/94165538787
“Woman is the future of the Gulf” is the result of a long-range study based on recorded interviews with young female managers from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The study aims to address the concept of modernization in the Arabian Gulf.
The set of cultural, religious, and social values extant in those countries produced an original approach towards social change. By giving new rights to women, Gulf Governments have launched an impetus in their societies that is feelable inside Arabian families. Daughters and wives can now negotiate with family members (most of times males) advantages like the permission to study and then to work. Once this most symbolic step is accomplished, they introduce new values that they have acquired in their companies into their households; they thus initiate social change starting with the basic cell of society: the family.
The critical point is reached when the father becomes proud of his daughter and changes from an attitude of reluctance to the championing of women empowerment. This is the definition of a social non-movement: when a set of actors adopt the same behavior without any concertation. The “empowered” daughters and wives become micro models for the rest of the family, for friends and neighborhood thus creating a kind of a virtuous circle. This appears to be a most acceptable way to run social change into Gulf societies.
Dr. Arnaud Lacheret is director of the French-Arabian Business School of the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain.
The event will be moderated by Dr. Fatima Al-Hashem, Assistant Professor of English at GUST.
People of Disabilities
GUST takes its commitment to inclusivity further by ensuring that its facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and other accommodations are readily available, ensuring that everyone can navigate the campus with ease and dignity.
GUST & AFAQ hold 3rd lecture in ‘Gad’ha W’Gdoud’ Series
Under the patronage of the Public Authority of the Disabled, the Gulf University for Science and Technology and AFAQ Educational Company launched the third lecture in its ‘Gadha W’Gdoud’ series in collaboration with the Kuwaiti Association for Learning Differences. The lecture was led by Dr. Hoda Shaaban, Educational Consultant specializing in educational and pedagogicalmatters, and covered educational merging as a solution to those who require a special needs education, how to harness the positives of its outputs, and how to face its challenges.
Dr. Hoda Shaaban explained that the first step of any decision begins with a diagnosis brought by a specialist, followed by registering students at local merging programs suitable for their needs, and that provides a comprehensive educational style to build students’ skills, enhances their capabilities, and turns fosters their strengths and creativity.
Educational Director, Amani Al-Amad, said: “Inclusion is an "inclusive" method not only for the integration of students and their teachers, but a comprehensive educational, administrative and societal integration approach to ensure a smooth transition from the beginning of their educational journey until they graduate.”
This was the third lecture in the “Gad’ha W’Gdoud” series, the first was with Dr. Suad Al-Thuwaikh, CEO of That Center for Social and Education Consultations, and focused on solving the different obstacles that come with ADHD. And the second,led by renowned Psychologist and Educational Counselor, Dr. Mustafa Abo Saad, who discussed how to strengthen relationships between parents and their special needs children.
Since its establishment in 2002, GUST has supported all its students with special needs by providing customized and free educational services and tools through the One Stop Student Services Center. All of which contribute to smooth educational experience for them, and ensuring that they receive the same well-rounded, quality education as their peers.
GUST & AFAQ Launch Talk Show Series Focusing on Special Needs Students
Under the patronage of Dr. Shafiqa Al-Awadhi, Director General of the Public Authority of the Disabled, GUST organized in collaboration with AFAQ Educational Co. a lecture in the newly launched series “Gad’ha W’Gdoud” (More than Capable) on its Mishref campus this week. The lecture, led by renowned Psychologist and Educational Counselor, Dr. Mustafa Abo Saad, who discussed how to strengthen relationships between parents and their special needs children. The series, targeted especially for parents and educators, is due to host more lectures under the same umbrella in the next year.
The series aims to spread the ideal of community service, to align with Kuwait’s Vision for 2035, strengthen the bonds between different groups of society, establish common value, and develop skills that help to encourage & support people with special needs.
The lecture touched on a variety of topics including how to understand the psychological and educational needs of our children with differences, how we interpret these needs as only a reflection of the caregivers’ characteristics and competencies, the different obstacles both the children and caregivers face, and how we can use them to develop capabilities, how to motivate them to learn & enrich their skills, as well as how to prepare those responsible to deal with them and accept them as productive and effective members of society.
AFAQ Educational Director, Amani Al-Amad, said “The development of any society begins with our understanding of the individuals’ needs within it. We have to invest our time and energy and care into everyone that is a part of our society. At the end, we all have roles to play in its growth.”
The lecture was attended by AFAQ’s executive leadership, including Mr. Anas Al-Asousi, Dean of Student Affairs at GUST, Dr. Raghad Al-Kazemi, leaders and educators from the Public Authority of the Disabled, representatives from the Department of Special Education of the Ministry of Education, local educators, parents, and students.
This was the second lecture in the “Gad’ha W’Gdoud” series, the first was held last month, led by Dr. Suad Al-Thuwaikh, CEO of That Center for Social and Education Consultations, and focused on solving the different obstacles that come with ADHD. The lecture was geared towards parents and educators with children dealing from learning mental or learning disabilities.
Since its establishment in 2002, GUST has supported all its students with special needs by providing customized and free educational services and tools through the One Stop Student Services Center. All of which contribute to smooth educational experience for them, and ensuring that they receive the same well-rounded, quality education as their peers.
Hasnaa Mokhtar: Narrative Power and the Invisible Trauma of Gendered Violence in Kuwait
In the past few years, the lobbying and activism of Khaleeji feminists and civil society organizations have sparked a public discussion of gender-based violence in the Arabian Gulf, demanding accountability for the aggressors and seeking support for survivors. However, the narrative as to why the problem occurs remains trapped within selective, racist, and oversimplified analyses of blaming traditions and honor. This talk asks: how might a decolonial conceptualization of gendered violence inform research and knowledge production, as well as anti-violence policy making and intervention efforts? Utilizing autoethnography and decolonial feminism, I investigate structural violence in Kuwait beyond the culture narrative. Using analysis of primary data collected between 2018-2019 in Kuwait, the study draws attention to the importance of theorizing from within the region, and that scholarship and policies addressing gender-based violence require us to complicate and nuance the analysis and pay attention to people’s worldviews with the aim of diversifying knowledge and policy making and intervention.
Room N4-002 GUST
Dr. Hasnaa Mokhtar is the Director of Global at Douglass College, Rutgers University. She is a scholar, researcher, and activist, with expertise in the Arabian Gulf, focusing on narratives of Muslim survivors of gender-based violence. Dr. Hasnaa’s writings have been published in mainstream media such as Fortune and Yahoo and in academic journals such as Feminist Review and Feminist Anthropology. Previously, Hasnaa served as the executive director of the Center for Nonviolent Solutions in Worcester, MA, and more recently as the special program director at Peaceful Families Project.
The discussant of Dr. Mokhtar will be Dr. Shahd Al Shammari, Assistant Professor of English at GUST.
Kuwait taking promising steps towards women’s empowerment & gender equality
Kuwaiti women have long been recognized as pioneers with a voice in social, political, intellectual, and cultural fields, throughout the country's history. The first Arab woman president of a university was from Kuwait at the Kuwait University, and women who have served as editors-in-chief of major newspapers, magazines, and multi-media outlets. Due to recent efforts and success in appointing female judges for the first time in Kuwait’s history, more women are pursuing careers as public prosecutors and more women lawyers are emerging. All these steps that Kuwait has taken to support and empower women in a variety of fields as part of its implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5.
Economic growth in Kuwait cannot be achieved without the full economic empowerment of women. This is one reason why the World Bank Kuwait Country Engagement Framework (CEF), which was recently approved by the Kuwaiti government in August 2021, includes a stand-alone Gender Engagement Framework, which mandates that all advisory services provided by the World Bank in Kuwait be viewed through a gender lens. The CEF will support a cross-cutting approach to increasing women's economic opportunities and will work to create an environment that is conducive to their employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership as well as their advancement in the workplace. The World Bank- Kuwait Gender Engagement Framework, is the first of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
In addition, Kuwait has been prioritizing women's economic empowerment in other key policy instruments, such as the new national plan for Kuwait called Vision 2035/New Kuwait. Kuwait's "New Kuwait" development strategy aims to transform the country into a regional financial, cultural, and institutional pioneer by 2035. It is built on five strategic axes and seven pillars: public administration, economy, infrastructure, living environment, healthcare, human capital, and global position. The Government of Kuwait aims to boost women’s engagement in the labor market under the Creative Human Capital pillar, in alignment with Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality. Vision 2035 aspires to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy by empowering the private sector to serve as the primary engine of growth. To achieve this goal, equal opportunity for men and women must be provided in order for both to be effective contributors to the vision.
Furthermore, as part of the SDG 5 program of the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, and in collaboration with the Kuwait University Women's Research and Studies Center, UN Women, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Women's Empowerment Program (WEP) initiative in Kuwait was launched. The Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) are a set of guidelines for businesses on how to advance gender equality and women's empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. They were developed by the United Nations Global Compact and UN Women. This initiative is geared toward the private sector and includes several companies. Its mission is to accelerate the implementation of Kuwait's new Vision 2035 by increasing the representation of women in leadership positions. In 2021, 14 new private sector companies committed to the WEPs to better diversify their workplace and promote women’s employment, bringing the total number of companies who adhere to these principles to 44.
And to further support these gender reform efforts, the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council of Planning and Development formed the Women's Affairs and Business Committee in May 2021 with the mandate of boosting women’s economic empowerment. Since its inception, the Committee has focused on increasing women’s participation in the workplace. It played a pivotal role in pushing through reforms in October 2021 to mandate non-discrimination based on gender in employment and to prohibit and criminalize sexual harassment at the workplace, in collaboration with the World Bank’s Business Regulations for Gender Equity Advisory team under the National Jobs Strategy Project.
While obstacles such as occupational segregation, a low female labor force participation rate, and social norms that restrict women's access to economic opportunity do still exist, there are also many opportunities to open the door for greater economic inclusion of Kuwaiti women. The above-mentioned significant steps already taken by Kuwait are a sign that the country means business, and other countries in the region can take note of these different multi-layered approaches in their plans to empowering women.
Policy of non-discrimination
GUST code of Conduct Policy was issued in October 2nd 2013 and slightly modified in April 12th 2022.
In GUST Code of Conduct Policy, article I, Our commitment states:
The Gulf University of Science & Technology (GUST) is committed to the highest level of integrity and honesty in all of its affairs, without any kind of discrimination against women.
Equal Employment Opportunity
• It is GUST’s policy to recruit, employ and promote employees on the basis of their skills, qualifications and abilities required for the work to be performed, with no discrimination to race, color, religion, sex, age, social status, physical or mental disability or any other factor.
• If outsourcing activities to third parties needed, then GUST takes all appropriate measures to ensure the equivalent rights of employees are met.
Harassment
GUST is committed to provide all employees with a work place that is free from harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, social status, physical or mental disability or any other factor. Harassment include all actions of verbal harassment, physical harassment, visual harassment or sexual harassment .
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today considered the fifth periodic report of Kuwait on its implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Introducing the report, Jamal Al-Ghunaim, Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that Kuwait was committed to reviewing and modernizing legislation relevant to women’s affairs in order to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women; to promoting the political participation of women; and to establishing an institutional mechanism for the protection of women from all forms of violence. There was progress in increasing the participation of women in nontraditional fields, and today there were 500 female police officers of various ranks, women made up 44 per cent of investigators, and 22 female public prosecutors had been hired. A national mechanism for women’s affairs – the Women’s Affairs Committee – affiliated with the Cabinet, had been set up to empower and promote the status of women in Kuwait, and 16 May had been designated as the Kuwaiti Women’s Day to mark the day on which women had achieved all political rights. Kuwaiti women had paved the way forward for Gulf women, they had been the first to assume leadership positions as university presidents, ministers and members of parliament – this was a credit to the role of Kuwaiti women and the efforts by the Government to enable women.
Human Resources Unit
One Stop Student Service Center
STUDENTS EMPLOYMENT: TUTORING PROGRAM
Peer tutors provide individual and small group tutoring sessions in subjects the tutor has attained a grade of 3.00 or higher. Peer tutors integrate effective study and learning strategies to maximize the tutee’s potential for academic progress.
The purpose of tutoring is to increase and enhance mastery of concepts or applications of a specific course of study moreover, peer tutors should help other students and reinforce their own skills and understanding. Tutoring involves a real commitment to learning and scheduling. and offers reinforcement and support outside the traditional classroom setting for students who are having difficulty in understanding the course content.
Responsibilities:
· Commitment to the schedule set in advance.
· Tutor students in specific course material and integrate study and learning strategies to promote independent learning.
· Participate in peer tutors training
· Complete and submit the required forms on time.
· Provide support and assistance to all students as a walk-in basis
· Tutors may assist and guide tutees through their assignments, but tutors will not do the work for any tutee.
· Tutors must uphold the GUST Honor Code and respect tutee’s personal dignity and accept each individual without judgment.
Learning Outcomes:
· Leadership skills.
· Responsibility.
· Critical thinking skills.
· Decision making skills.
· Organizational skills.
· Importance of punctuality/attendance.
· Developmental skills.
Position Requirements:
· Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above.
· Have completed a minimum of 60 units
· Be recommended by an institutional faculty member
· Student will tutor a subject that he/she has passed with “” or higher.
· Be able to work a minimum of 5 hours per week.
· Complete the required minimum ten-hour tutor training.
· Be able to work effectively as part of a team.
· Have no disciplinary action issues.
· Be able to quickly establish rapport with students.
Meet Our Tutors
Death or Disability Procedure
Procedure
Employees may retire on medical disability grounds according to the Kuwait Labor Law or due to death
All medically disabled cases are declared by the government medical authorities or those medical institutions approved by GUST.
The HR Department will pursue the matter with the insurance company (if applicable) and do the necessary arrangement for the exit and final settlement.
In case of death or that the disabled employee is unconscious or mentally inactive, the most senior member of his/her family or anyone appointed by his/her immediate family should receive the entitlement after obtaining all legal authentications.
