Non-Discrimination Against Women Policy

1. Purpose

This policy affirms An-Najah National University’s unwavering commitment to ensuring gender equality and fairness in all aspects of its academic, professional, and social environment. It aims to guarantee that no woman : student, faculty member, researcher, or staff , faces discrimination based on gender, marital status, pregnancy, or family responsibilities, and that equal rights and opportunities are afforded to all.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All university employees, including academic and administrative staff.

• All students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

• All visitors, partners, and contractors interacting with the university community.

• All programs, activities, and services carried out under the name or sponsorship of An-Najah National University.

3. Policy Statement

An-Najah National University (ANNU) is committed to creating an inclusive environment that promotes equity, respect, and dignity for all individuals, regardless of gender.
In accordance with national legislation and international human rights conventions, the University:

1. Prohibits all forms of discrimination or unequal treatment against women in recruitment, admission, promotion, compensation, participation, or decision-making.

2. Ensures equal access for women to education, employment, leadership positions, research opportunities, and capacity-building programs.

3. Protects women from any form of sexual harassment, intimidation, or gender-based violence within university premises or affiliated environments.

4. Promotes a culture of gender awareness, inclusion, and empowerment through education, training, and awareness campaigns.

5. Encourages the participation of women in governance structures, committees, and institutional decision-making bodies.

4. Guiding Principles

• Equality: Equal treatment and opportunities for all genders.

• Respect and Dignity: Every member of the community deserves a safe, respectful environment.

• Transparency: All procedures, from recruitment to evaluation, must be free from gender bias.

• Accountability: Violations of this policy will be addressed through clear, fair, and confidential procedures.

• Empowerment: The university actively supports women’s leadership, capacity development, and career advancement.

5. Implementation Mechanisms

To ensure effective enforcement of this policy, ANNU shall:

• Establish a Gender and Equality Committee responsible for monitoring compliance, advising university leadership, and developing gender mainstreaming strategies.

• Conduct regular training sessions for staff, faculty, and students on gender equality, workplace ethics, and anti-discrimination practices.

• Integrate gender equality indicators into institutional planning, hiring, and performance evaluation systems.

• Maintain an anonymous reporting mechanism for gender-based discrimination or harassment.

• Publish annual reports summarizing progress on gender inclusion, representation, and equality measures.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

• University President: Ensures institutional alignment and enforcement of the policy.

• Deanship of Student Affairs: Monitors implementation among students and manages complaints.

• Human Resources Department: Integrates gender equality into recruitment, promotion, and appraisal processes.

• Gender and Equality Committee: Reviews cases, provides recommendations, and tracks compliance.

• All Staff and Students: Expected to uphold the values of equality and report any violations.

7. Complaint and Redress Procedures

• Any member of the university community may file a complaint in cases of discrimination or harassment.

• Complaints are treated confidentially and investigated promptly by a designated committee.

• The university guarantees protection against retaliation for complainants.

• Sanctions for proven violations may include disciplinary action in accordance with university regulations.

8. Alignment with International and National Frameworks

This policy aligns with:

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

• Palestinian Basic Law and Labor Law provisions guaranteeing equal rights and protection for women.

• CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women), ratified by the State of Palestine.

• Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research guidelines promoting gender equality in academia.

9. Review and Evaluation

The Gender and Equality Committee shall review this policy every three years to assess effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ensure continued alignment with local and global gender equality standards.

Effective Date: June 10, 2022

Review Date: June 10, 2024