SDG 5

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SDG 5: GENDER EQUALITY

At Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST), gender equality is a core institutional value that guides teaching, research, and community engagement. The university is committed to promoting an inclusive environment where women and men have equal access to education, leadership, and professional advancement. 

Women play a dynamic role in KCST’s progress—as students, researchers, mentors, and leaders, they inspire excellence and drive discovery across all fields. The university’s initiatives ensure that every individual, regardless of gender, can pursue education, career growth, and leadership with equal opportunity. This approach aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. It also supports KCST’s mission to build a diverse, inclusive academic community that advances women in science, technology, and higher education. 

KCST's Commitment to Empowering Female Students 

KCST actively promotes gender equality and women empowerment through a wide range of strategic initiatives:  

  •  Fair and Transparent Admissions: KCST maintains fair and transparent admission processes, ensuring equal access for women and men. 

  • Support for Women: KCST provides academic advising, research opportunities, mentoring, scholarship, and skills-development activities that encourage women’s participation in science, engineering, and technology fields. In addition, the university hosts seminars, workshops, and public events to strengthen women’s technical skills and leadership potential. 

  • Faculty Representation and Academic Leadership: KCST actively promotes gender equity among faculty, with women holding an increasing share of senior academic positions. 

  • Anti-Discrimination and Grievance Protections: Institutional policies such as the Code of Conduct, Non-Discrimination Policy, and Employee Grievance Policy ensure a safe and respectful environment free from gender-based discrimination. 

  • Family-Friendly Policies: KCST’s maternity and paternity leave policies promote shared family responsibility and enable women to balance academic or professional commitments with family life. 

KCST's Commitment to Enhancing Women’s Access to Higher Education 

KCST’s Admission and Registration Department plays a key role in ensuring that access to higher education is fair, transparent, and inclusive. The university systematically measures and tracks women’s application and acceptance rates as part of its gender equality measures, maintaining an evidence-based approach to equitable admission. In 2025, women represented 40.76% of applicants and 42.64% of accepted students, reflecting a notable increase from 36.39% and 36.94%, respectively, in 2024. These statistics highlight the effectiveness of KCST’s outreach and recruitment efforts in attracting talented female students. The university’s admission policies—outlined in the Academic Affairs Policy & Procedures—guarantee equal opportunity for all applicants, regardless of gender, race, or background. 

 Applicant Rates 

Acceptance Rates 

 

Scholarship and Mentoring at KCST 

KCST provides access schemes, including scholarships and other support opportunities, on a merit-based basis. KCST scholarships are granted to applicants based on their academic performance and achievements, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, disability, or national origin. The university may also consider requests from deserving students supported by their performance track record, in alignment with its commitment to equal opportunity and inclusiveness.  

KCST’s Scholarship Policy 

A. Merit Scholarship eligibility for KCST students: 

  1. Students who have not received Scholarship on admission, may apply for a Merit Scholarship at the appropriate level at any time during their study if they achieve a CGPA ≥ 3.50 or 3.67, as applicable, for two consecutive semesters. 

  1. The President may consider granting scholarship to exceptional students on the recommendation of Student Affairs and the Academic Affairs Committee. Examples can be but not limited to school students with excellent Mathematics and Physics grade but CGPA under 90% or student with partial external scholarship or student in severe financial need. All Scholarships applications shall be approved by the President. 

  1. The following criteria shall apply for Scholarships: 

    • Students who have been admitted into any program that have been stipulated in the Scholarship Rules. 

    • Meet a general weighted average as defined. 

  1. KCST scholarships shall be granted to applicants on the basis of their merit, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, disabilities or national origin. KCST may grant Scholarships to deserving students based on requests from students and his/her performance track record. 

  1. Timelines and criteria for application shall be announced to the students through information on the notice boards, college intranet and College website. 

  1. Any applicant intending for full-time study at KCST and all full time students in good academic standing may apply for scholarships. 

  1. KCST shall specify the minimum qualifying marks required for submitting KCST Scholarship Forms for each Academic Year or semester, and each case shall be individually considered based on their circumstances. 

  1. Applications shall be typed and submitted electronically or hard copy to the Department of Student Affairs. 

  1. KCST scholarship shall cover only the tuition fees. Registration fees or any other additional charges shall not be included. 

  1. KCST Scholarship students shall always maintain the highest level of attendance and behaviour. 

11. Scholarships are usually awarded for one academic semester only. Students receiving scholarships shall be evaluated at the end of each semester to determine if they are eligible for continuation of the scholarship into the next academic semester. 

12. Extension of Scholarship for the same student is automatic provided that the student attains the grade point average and all other conditions stipulated in the Scholarship Rules. 

13. Copies of all applications shall be filed in a departmental file labelled "Scholarship". 

14. The Student Affairs Department shall inform the student and the concerned departments, such as the Registration Unit, Academic Department, Finance Department, etc., via email about the President’s decision for the approval/rejection of the KCST Scholarship Form. 

B. Conditions for maintaining Merit Scholarship: 

Scholarship Rate 

Condition 

Scholarship Rules 

100% 

≥ 3.67 

In line with the conditions stipulated in the Contract entered into with the student 

50% 

≥ 3.67 

1st Semester - CGPA below 3.67 - Demoted to 25% bracket 

25% 

≥ 3.50 

1st Semester - CGPA below 3.50 - Student shall be given a warning 

2nd Semester - CGPA below 3.50 - Scholarship shall be temporarily withdrawn 

3rd Semester – CGPA below 3.50 - Scholarship shall be permanently withdrawn 

The university also provide a general counselling and mentoring assistance to all its students, where women make up a significant portion of those that benefit from this service. This may include social, mental, and academic counselling.  

You may refer to the university’s Wellbeing Unit’s website for further details: https://www.kcst.edu.kw/en/campus/wellbeing-unit 

KCST's Commitment to Empowering Women in Underrepresented Fields 

At KCST, we ensure equal opportunity in every part of the university experience, including events, workshops, seminars, etc. 

UK-Gulf women in cybersecurity  

As part of the UK-Gulf Women in Cybersecurity Fellowship’s visit program, supported by the British government, the Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) had the honor of welcoming a delegation of women fellows from various Gulf countries, Jordan, and the UK. The program aimed to raise awareness and enhance understanding among participants about efforts in cybersecurity capacity, education, and training within the GCC countries. KCST was chosen as a key visit destination due to its recognized expertise and efforts in building capabilities and promoting cybersecurity awareness in Kuwait and the broader region. 

EU Ambassadors Visit  

KCST had the honour of hosting the European Union (EU) Ambassadors to Kuwait in an important event aimed at strengthening cooperation between academic institutions and diplomatic entities.  

The visit included showcasing the college’s achievements, along with a tour of the advanced laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities that are among the most innovative in the Middle East and the key areas of focus for KCST, including its commitment to advancing scientific and technological fields, the role of modern technology and innovation in societal development, and fostering collaboration with global academic institutions. 

Additionally, the visit emphasized the growing leadership of women across various sectors and their role in driving development and innovation in the fields of science and technology, both locally and globally. 

Kuwait CyberSHE Program 

Women in CyberSecurity Middle East (WiCSME), under its flagship initiative She Talks Security, officially launched its first hands-on training program CyberSHE, hosted for 4 straight weeks at the Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST). The event brought together leaders from academia, industry, and the cybersecurity community and marked a significant step forward in addressing the gender gap in the cybersecurity sector by equipping young women with practical, career-focused skills. KCST students and alums joined the program along with external attendees who were nominated by their entities.

Women-In Tech Session 

The Electronics and Communications Engineering Department at KCST hosted an insightful seminar on “Women In Tech”, showcasing women’s growing contributions to the technology sector. The event welcomed community members and provided an inclusive platform to explore the growing impact of women in technology and their contributions to innovation. This initiative aligns with SDG 5, reflecting KCST’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in underrepresented fields. 

KCST's Commitment to Advancing Female Academic Leadership 

KCST is equally committed to promoting gender equity among its faculty. In 2025, the university employed 166 staff members, including 87 academic staff. The representation of women in senior academic positions increased from 9% in 2024 to 18% in 2025, reflecting KCST’s ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s representation in academic leadership and decision-making roles. 

Proportion of Senior Female Academics 

KCST's Commitment to Supporting Women’s Academic Success 

At KCST, we are dedicated to ensuring that every student—regardless of gender, age, or nationality—has equal opportunities to achieve academic success. The university closely monitors graduation rates through internal tracking systems that help identify trends and areas where additional academic support may be required. 

To facilitate steady progress toward graduation, KCST’s Student Affairs Office provides a variety of academic support services. These include free tutoring sessions offered through the Tutoring Center, where trained peer tutors assist students in overcoming academic challenges. Students experiencing academic difficulties are identified early and referred to appropriate mentoring, guidance, and learning resources. 

 

You may refer to the university’s Wellbeing Unit’s website for further details: https://www.kcst.edu.kw/en/student/academic-advising 

 

These initiatives reflect KCST’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and student success, ensuring that all students are supported throughout their educational journey.  

In 2025, 331 students graduated from KCST—all in STEM fields, since the university does not currently offer programs in medicine or the arts and humanities. Of these graduates, 190 were women, compared to 176 female graduates out of 280 total graduates in 2024. These statistics highlight KCST’s continuous advancement toward gender balance in STEM education, a traditionally male-dominated domain. 

Proportion of Graduates by Gender 

Policies Promoting Gender Equity and Inclusion 

KCST’s institutional policies form the cornerstone of its gender equality strategy. The Code of Conduct Policy (first established in 2020 and reviewed in 2024) explicitly prohibits discrimination against women, reinforcing a culture of respect and inclusion.  For more information please do contact HR Department ( hr@kcst.edu.kw ) .

In addition, the Holidays and Leave Management Policy (created in 2018 and reviewed in 2025) provides comprehensive maternity and paternity leave, enabling both women and men to balance their professional and family responsibilities.  For more information please do contact HR Department ( hr@kcst.edu.kw ) .

Although KCST currently does not have on-campus childcare facilities, the institution remains committed to developing future initiatives that provide support to parents. 

Mentoring, Tracking, and Equal Graduation Opportunities 

KCST offers general counselling and mentoring services to all students, where female students form a significant portion of the beneficiaries. These services address social, academic, and mental well-being, contributing to higher success and retention rates among women. The Admission and Registration Department also tracks female students’ likelihood of graduating compared to male students. In 2025, 58.11% of the expected graduates were women, compared to 60.20% in 2024. This close parity reflects the institution’s progress in bridging any gender gap in academic achievement. 

KCST's Commitment to Protection Against Discrimination and Grievance Support 

To ensure a safe and fair working environment, KCST has implemented an Employee Grievance Policy (created in 2022 and reviewed in 2024), which provides a transparent and protective mechanism for staff and students to report discrimination or unfair treatment without fear of retaliation. This policy underlines KCST’s dedication to maintaining a respectful and equitable workplace for all members of its community. For more information please do contact HR Department ( hr@kcst.edu.kw ) .

Policy for Equal Opportunity for all Applicants 

Applicants are considered based on their merit, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, disabilities, or national origin (in compliance with the rules and regulations of the State of Kuwait). For more information please do contact Admission Department ( Admission@kcst.edu.kw ) .

KCST Scholarship Policy 

KCST Scholarships are granted to applicants on the basis of their merit, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, disabilities, or national origin. KCST may grant Scholarships to deserving students based on requests from students and his/her performance track record. For more information please do contact Admission Department ( Admission@kcst.edu.kw ) .

KCST's Commitment to Policy of Non-Discrimination 

KCST fully supports the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and embrace a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. KCST expects professional relationship among persons in the college premises that is free of discrimination, prejudice, and harassment. KCST has a formal Policy of Non-Discrimination outlined in the Code of Conduct Policy, which reflects the university’s commitment to maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and equitable academic and professional environment for all members of its community. 

 Code of Conduct policy – Section E.18.2 

  1. KCST is committed to provide equal employment opportunity, equal education opportunity, equal access to services, programs, and activities without regard to an individual’s age, gender identity, race, ethnic background, marital/family status, disability, national origin, religious beliefs, etc. 

  1. Our commitment extends to providing a safe and respectful workplace where women are valued for their contributions and are empowered to achieve their full potential, free from gender-based bias. We believe that diversity and inclusion, particularly the equal participation of women, are essential to our university’s success and academic excellence. 

  1. Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination in violation of this policy should report the matter to the HR Department for appropriate redressed action. 

Employee Grievances and Complaints Policy 

KCST is committed to promoting and maintaining good employee relations and safeguarding the well-being of its employees. The university offers an effective procedure for the resolution of problems arising from an employment relationship or work environment and strives to resolve grievances or complaints at the lowest possible level in the grievance/complaint process. It ensures that KCST offers a robust mechanism for employees to raise complaints or grievances concerning employment-related matters in circumstances in which they feel aggrieved. 

The Employee Grievance Policy & Procedure applies to all university employees and pertains to complaints against one another arising from work-related issues of any kind including, but not limited to: 

  1. Decisions, acts, or omissions by employees within the university; or 

  1. Perceived unfair decisions or treatment; or 

  1. Harassment, bullying, and discrimination (which includes sexual harassment, various forms of vilification recognized by law and victimization).  

Maternity Leave Policy 

KCST has a Maternity Policy that supports women’s full participation in academic and professional life. The policy provides appropriate maternity leave, flexible work arrangements, and a supportive environment to ensure that women can balance their professional responsibilities with family commitments. Through this policy, KCST reaffirms its dedication to promoting gender equity and fostering a workplace culture that values the well-being and advancement of all employees. 

Holidays and Leave Management Policy – Section A.5 

  1. Maternity leave entitlement shall be as per the Kuwait Labour Law and its amendments. 

  1. Female employees shall be entitled to a paid maternity leave of 70 calendar days provided that she gives birth within this period. 

  1. The female staff members shall inform her HoD and HR on the delivery day to ensure authorized absence. 

  1. Staff members must apply for maternity leave and attach the hospital admission paper and childbirth certificate. 

  1. Staff member has to ensure to enter the accurate leave dates starting from the date of absence. 

  1. If a maternity leave overlaps with the annual and summer leave or part of it, the summer leave days will be forfeited.  

Paternity Leave Policy 

KCST has a Paternity Policy that supports women’s participation by promoting shared family responsibilities and work–life balance. The policy grants paternity leave and encourages the active involvement of fathers in childcare, thereby fostering an environment where both parents can contribute equally to family and professional life. Through this initiative, KCST reinforces its commitment to gender equity and to creating a supportive community for all staff and faculty members.  

Holidays and Leave Management Policy – Section B.2 

  1. Male employees are eligible for 3 fully paid working days paternity leave from the date of the child’s birth. 

  1. Employee must apply through MenaMe for this leave and attach a copy of the newborn’s birth certificate. 

  1. It’s the employee responsibility to ensure timely notification to their HoD and HR, and to confirm the accuracy of the entered leave dates. 

  1. This leave is a separate entitlement and will not be deducted from the employee’s annual leave.