Women’s Mentoring Scheme

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An-Najah National University (ANNU) is deeply committed to advancing gender equality by supporting female students through structured mentoring schemes that promote academic, professional, and personal growth.
These programs aim to build confidence, enhance employability, and strengthen leadership among women at all academic levels, aligning directly with Gender Equality.

The mentoring initiatives are implemented through a strong collaboration between the Deanship of Student Affairs, the Career and Alumni Unit, and the Women and Society Research Unit, ensuring institutional sustainability and inclusiveness.

Program Objectives

The Women’s Mentoring and Empowerment Schemes (WMES) provide:

• Guided Mentorship: Experienced female faculty and alumni mentors guide students on research, entrepreneurship, and career development.

• Leadership Development: Capacity-building programs enhance self-confidence, negotiation skills, and leadership readiness.

• Networking Opportunities: Regular meetings with industry partners, NGOs, and international organizations expose mentees to diverse professional pathways.

• Inclusive Participation: The program guarantees participation opportunities for women with disabilities and women from marginalized backgrounds.

• Digital Mentorship: Zajel digital platforms now host mentoring tools, allowing students to access guidance, feedback, and training modules online.

Participation and Impact (2019–2024 Trend)

Monitoring Trend Analysis (2019–2024):
Participation rose steadily from 10 % to 22 %, showing the growing success of ANNU’s inclusive mentoring culture. All data are monitored through the Zajel Institutional Information System, ensuring accuracy and gender-disaggregated reporting.

Key Women’s Mentoring Components

1. Women and Society Research Unit

This unit provides continuous mentoring, advocacy, and skills training for female students and graduates. It also conducts research and workshops on gender equality, social empowerment, and leadership

2. Women’s Studies Program

ANNU’s interdisciplinary Women’s Studies master’s program integrates theory with mentoring practice, enabling participants to explore gender relations, societal structures, and leadership within the Arab world. Students receive personalized mentorship to advance their research and career goals

3. External Partnerships and Projects

• GRIT Thabry Project (with CLWR, Canada): Expands vocational training for young women and girls, including mentorship, scholarships, and skill development in STEM fields.

• GREENLAND Project (ENI CBC Med): Provides professional mentoring and training for women in the green and circular economy.

• GROW Project: Enhances economic empowerment and prosperity for low-income women and youth in Palestine

• Enabel Project: Enable launched new grants (in 2024) in Palestine focused on empowering women by funding micro / small businesses to increase women’s income and economic independence.  

Highlighted Activities and Success Stories

• The university participates in the ‘Women Distinguished in Science’ recognition program, elevating female role models in academia.

• ANNU regularly honors and celebrates female students who win top positions in international academic competitions.

• Training for female students on entrepreneurship and innovation.

• Orientation Day: “Discover the World of TVET” – with special focus on female participation.

• Signing of scholarship agreements for female students under Darzah Incubator.

• New scholarships signed with Clarke Education Foundation.

• ANNU is in active partnership with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to explore and implement joint programs for women’s empowerment.

• ANNU students won the SEED 2.0 scholarship (for excellence in education and development, offered by the Arab Innovation Network).

• Athletes from the university's football team teamed up with the Palestinian Women’s National Team in a friendly match against Ireland's Bohemian Club.

• An-Najah National University provides access schemes and empowerment opportunities for women through mentoring, leadership development, and recognition programs.

• “ANNU encourages and supports women’s participation in national and regional competitions. Female students Aman Jarrar and Majd Odeh achieved second and third places respectively in the ‘MAKAN’ Graduation Project Competition for Jordanian and Palestinian universities.

• ANNU supports student-led projects that address women’s specific needs. For example, in July 2024, students developed and launched a specialized website on women’s nutrition, providing tailored information on vitamins, minerals, and dietary requirements.

• An-Najah University implements youth leadership and life skills development programs in collaboration with partners to empower its student body. In September 2024, the university hosted a five-session leadership and life skills training.

• Training for Female Students on Entrepreneurship and Curriculum Development.

• Awareness Session in Jenin Governorate on Technical Education and the Inclusion of Girls and Girls with Disabilities

• Orientation Day Titled "Discover the World of Technical and Vocational Education and Training" for Girls.

• New Training Opportunities for Youth and Women in Palestine on Four Sustainable Economy Sectors and Soft Employment Skills!

• Signs Scholarship Agreements with a Group of Female Students as Part of the Darzah Incubator Project.

• Awareness Session in Tulkarem Governorate on Technical Education and the Inclusion of Female Students with Disabilities

• In line with its vision to support and empower Palestinian women, An-Najah University signs a cooperation agreement with the Clarke Education Foundation. 

• The Ministry of Women's Affairs and An-Najah National University discuss prospects for mutual cooperation.

• Conclusion of Youth Leadership Development and Life Skills Program Activities.

• The Quranic Forum at An-Najah National University, in partnership with Al-Safa Academy for Quranic Services - Malaysia, holds the Second International Conference for the Quranic Forum.

• An-Najah Holds Workshop on Conflict Resolution Skills and Anger Management

• An-Najah University Hosts Public-Private Dialogue on Social Innovation in Palestine

• An-Najah University Triumphs in the Fifth Edition of the Arabic Arbitration Moot Competition Organized by SCCA in Saudi Arabia

• Honoring Student Success: ASAL Technologies and An-Najah University’s Practical Training Center Recognition Ceremony

• Medenshine Student Team Hosts Medical Awareness Seminar

• Student teams from An-Najah National University win the top three places in the "Climate Futures Exchange" Virtual Exchange Project competition.

• The Medenshine student team, affiliated with the Department of Medical Education and the Deanship of Student Affairs, organizes a medical science debate.

• An-Najah University's AIAS Branch Honored as Best Worldwide

• An-Najah's Pharmaceutical Students' Federation Concludes 11th Eastern Mediterranean Pharmaceutical Symposium in Jordan

• An-Najah University Participates in Launching Girls’ Tech Competition

• An-Najah University Hosts a Training workshop for Women with Disabilities to Improve their Skills to Start up their Own Business.

• An-Najah Grants 58 Scholarships to its female Students with Disability.

Impact Highlights

• More than 1,200 female mentees annually (22 % of total female students).

• Documented increase in female participation in leadership positions within student unions, innovation clubs, and research projects.

• Career transition success rate among mentees improved by 27 % between 2020 and 2024.

• Active collaboration with international partners to expand professional mentoring networks.

Sustainability and Future Vision (2025 – 2027)

• Expansion of mentoring to postgraduate and research leadership levels.

• Launch of an AI-based mentor-matching system under Najah2Twin Digital Twin.

• Annual publication of the Women’s Mentorship Progress Report.

Integration with UNESCO Chairs and regional women’s networks for exchange opportunities.