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Aligning with Qatar¡¯s National Vision 2030, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), has taken steps to advance gender inclusivity through the establishment of the Women in Academia Committee (WiAC). This landmark initiative¡ªthe first of its kind in Qatar and the region¡ªaims to foster an inclusive academic environment by addressing barriers and amplifying opportunities for women in higher education and research, through a lens that embraces the sociocultural and religious values at the core of the society in which the institution operates.

HBKU already demonstrates strong gender parity in student admissions, with near-equal representation across programs and levels. In several STEM fields, female enrolment surpasses male participation, exceeding global averages. While these student achievements reflect progress, challenges persist in translating this pipeline into equitable representation among faculty and leadership roles and there remain opportunities to further enhance career progression, recruitment practices, and pathways for women to influence institutional decision-making.
 
To address these challenges, the WiAC was established through a structured three-phase framework designed to enhance recruitment, retention, and professional development for female academics. Phase One centred on fact-finding, following a rigorous data collection exercise combining quantitative analysis with qualitative insights from surveys, interviews, and focus groups to identify barriers to women¡¯s advancement. These findings informed Phase Two, which developed a data-driven action plan with targeted interventions¡ªsuch as mentorship programs, leadership training, and revised recruitment policies¡ªalongside clear KPIs to measure success in increasing female participation in leadership and research. Currently in Phase Three, WiAC operates as a standing committee within HBKU, embedding sustainable practices into university culture. Initiatives include tailored career development programs for women, policy revisions to promote inclusivity, and continuous self-assessment mechanisms. By integrating these measures, WiAC ensures that HBKU not only cultivates female talent at the student level but also empowers women to thrive as academic leaders, researchers, and decision-makers¡ªsolidifying Qatar¡¯s commitment to a diverse, innovative knowledge economy.