SDG 5: GENDER EQUALITY

5.6.6 Does your university as a body have women’s mentoring schemes, in which at least 10% of female students participate?

Research Support Unit

The Research Support Unit (RSU) is established to provide guidance and support to faculty and researchers to overcome the difficulties faced by them in the journey of their research. This unit will organize workshops and conduct training programs that will help to boost scientific research output of the faculty and researchers in particular and AlMaarefa University as a whole.

Major Role of Research Support Unit

• Literature Search Service
• Bibliometric and Bibliographic Services,”
• Searching and providing full text research papers
• Preparing Weekly as well as Fortnightly Research Metrics of the University
• Preparing Research Metrics on a given subject/topic as per the demand of the faculty members and researchers.
• Plagiarism checking service.
• Disseminating useful stuffs among the faculty and research community of the AlMaarefa University.

The Research Support Unit also aims to enhancing and contributing in the scientific publishing skills of faculty members and researchers by providing help and training in terms of the following:

• Training on Effective Literature Search Services using Web of Science, PubMed, and Scholar etc
• Training on Reference Management Techniques using Mendeley
• Similarity Check Service and training to use Ouriginal Anti Plag software
• Language editing/Paraphrasing guidance and training on utilization of online tools
• Help in effective utilization of full text Digital databases
• Help in the Selection of the suitable journal for publication of their research work
• Provide guidance and make awareness on Predatory/cloned and hijacked journals
• Help to Effectively utilize Saudi Digital Library
• Patent search service from USPTO and EPO

Student Handbook

AlMaarefa University assigns each student an academic advisor who also serves as a mentor, providing academic and career guidance as part of the student handbook requirements [1].

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Camp

Yesterday, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Camp for students at Al-Maarifa University concluded its activities, which were held in the university building for four days, and which were organized by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The camp included many lectures and workshops to enhance the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among the university’s male and female students in order to train them on the basics and concepts of innovation and entrepreneurship and learn about... Its most important sources are through theoretical and practical training workshops. This camp aims to support the future orientations of the senior management at Al-Maarifa University and its vision for the coming years. The innovation camp at the university was keen, over the course of its four days, to attract male and female trainers with national and international skills and experience [2].

As stated by the supervisor of the center, A. Dr.. Hamdan bin Ibrahim Al-Muhammad: Establishing this camp and other events at the university reflects our commitment to encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship and providing high-level programs in order to graduate cognitively and scientifically qualified competencies capable of employing their skills and abilities to enhance scientific excellence and develop innovative projects that support the aspirations and ambitions of the University of Knowledge and to unleash the energies of students. Their creativity and intellectual abilities and translate them into innovative projects. The center will continue to provide distinguished lectures, seminars and educational workshops to encourage innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. He added that the main driver of this movement and what was achieved after Fadlallah was due to the great support and special care of His Excellency the President of the University, Professor Dr. Walid bin Hussein Abu Al-Faraj. Then the great passion and enthusiasm flowing among these students [2].

Participation of AlMaarefa University Female Leaders in the Coursera Women’s Leadership East Summit

Dr. Sarah Al-Bukhari and Dr. Sarah Al Marzouqi, representatives of Almaarefa university At the Coursera Women's Leadership Summit in the Middle East 2024, it brings together a group of academic and industrial leaders to exchange experiences and enhance scientific and knowledge communication.@AlMaarefa pic.twitter.com/GkMZXYrsbj [3].

Stress among Al-Maarefa University female students and its associated factors

A published study on stress among AlMaarefa female students finds significant stressors and recommends mentorship and counseling as interventions to support female students’ wellbeing and academic success [4].

Formal Mentorship Programs and Industry Partnerships

The Social Responsibility Department of #جامعة_المعرفة, in cooperation with the "Women's Support Line" program of the Family Security Program of the Ministry of the National Guard, and with the participation of the Ghars Student Club, implemented an awareness program aimed at improving the support, guidance, and empowerment of women in various fields [5].

The Women@Dior & @UNESCO program provides a unique opportunity for young women to receive mentorship from a #DiorTalent. This experience is enriched by a community of like-minded women connected through local events and online platforms. Mentees gain access to a cutting-edge online education platform with courses taught by distinguished professors and inspirational guests. After completing these courses, Mentees engage in the #DreamForChange project, aimed at empowering young girls in local communities. Since its inception in 2017, this program has nurtured over 2,000 ambitious young women from diverse fields such as business, engineering, arts, social sciences, hospitality, communication, and public policy. Representing over 60 countries and nearly 90 nationalities, these Mentees are guided by visionary leaders and esteemed guest speakers on critical topics like gender equality and women's leadership, paving the way for sustainable futures [6].

Women-Focused Centers and Empowerment Initiatives

Empowered women are a major factor in advancing towards progress and prosperity via national development. But national development plans have received very limited academic analysis. A quantitative descriptive research design was used to discern what actually exists in Saudi Arabia’s recent national development plan (Vision 2030) relative to women, childhood, and families as agents of development. Content analysis results revealed that Vision 2030 contained numerous and varied mention of women and children (and families) in all three themes (vibrant society, thriving economy and ambitious nation) and five dimensions of national development: educational, cultural, social, health and technological. Future implementation of the plan should continue to respect the powerful rhetoric therein and ensure continued support to women by educating and empowering them to fully assume their self-desired role to be pivotal agents in national development [7].

Saudi Vision 2030 Drives Women's Advancement in Diplomacy

Jeddah, June 24, 2025, SPA -- Each year on June 24, the international community observes the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, celebrating global efforts to advance women's roles in foreign affairs, which aligns with Saudi Arabia's growing presence of highly skilled female professionals in its diplomatic corps and reflects a significant shift in the Kingdom's international representation. Driven by the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, this progress highlights the Kingdom's commitment to empowering women and promoting their participation in leadership roles within a system that prioritizes merit over gender or traditional roles. Noura Al-Shaaban, an advocate for women's advancement in diplomacy and a former member of the Shura Council's parliamentary friendship committees, noted that Saudi women diplomats are recognized for their professionalism and strong cultural grounding. She emphasized their ability to balance official messaging with a unique national identity, enabling them to build trust and foster understanding in diverse international settings.

She added that Saudi women have demonstrated adaptability and diplomatic skill, representing both the state and its aspirations through a message rooted in the Kingdom's values of peace, justice, and cooperation [8].

References