Advancing Inclusion in Recruitment and Education
An-Najah National University (ANNU) is deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral pillars of its mission and long-term institutional strategy. Recruitment and inclusion are not viewed as short-term projects but as ongoing priorities embedded within the University’s Strategic Plan and Sustainability Goals.
Through the oversight of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee, ANNU continuously monitors recruitment processes, reviews data, identifies participation gaps, and recommends initiatives to promote inclusivity across teaching, research, and employment.
By combining targeted outreach, scholarships, partnerships, and strong institutional leadership, ANNU ensures that all individuals—regardless of gender, disability, socioeconomic status, or refugee background—have equitable access to education and professional development. In doing so, the University reaffirms its belief that diversity is not only a foundation of excellence but also a powerful driver of innovation and progress in higher education.
Student Recruitment and Outreach Initiatives
“Nawarat An-Najah” Outreach Campaign
The “Nawarat An-Najah” Campaign is one of An-Najah National University’s most impactful community outreach initiatives. It aims to extend access to higher education by reaching rural, underserved, and marginalized communities.
The campaign achieves this through:
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Conducting on-site workshops and orientation sessions in local schools.
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Organizing awareness sessions on scholarships, career planning, and academic programs.
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Collaborating with local NGOs and community organizations to identify and mentor promising students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The initiative has become a national model for outreach, expanding access to higher education and empowering students from low-income and geographically isolated areas to pursue university studies.
Promoting Women in STEM and Technical Fields
An-Najah National University (ANNU) actively encourages female participation in male-dominated disciplines such as Engineering, Information Technology, and Technical Studies, as well as in Physics, Architecture, Energy and Environmental Science, Agriculture, and Artificial Intelligence. The University seeks to challenge traditional gender patterns by opening new pathways for women to excel in STEM, applied sciences, and innovation-driven fields.
Through mentorship programs, targeted marketing campaigns, and academic support initiatives, ANNU provides young women with the confidence, resources, and role models they need to pursue these disciplines successfully. Over the past two years, female enrollment in STEM and technical programs has grown by 15%, and several faculties have reported a steady rise in women entering advanced research and professional training tracks.
These efforts reflect ANNU’s commitment to breaking gender barriers and cultivating a new generation of women leaders, engineers, and scientists who contribute to Palestine’s sustainable development and global knowledge economy.
Examples of inclusion-focused initiatives:
Integrating girls and women with disabilities into technical disciplines
Scholarship and Financial Aid Programs
ANNU provides comprehensive scholarship and financial assistance programs to ensure that economic hardship never limits educational opportunity. Nearly 40% of financial aid recipients were students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, including:
Scholarships are coordinated by the Deanship of Student Affairs in partnership with donors, NGOs, and international organizations, ensuring that every capable student can access quality education regardless of financial background.
Staff and Faculty Recruitment and Support
To enhance diversity within its academic and administrative workforce, ANNU takes planned and systematic actions to recruit, retain, and empower underrepresented staff and faculty:
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Inclusive Hiring Practices: The Human Resources Department applies fairness and transparency in all recruitment and selection processes. Hiring panels undergo training in inclusive recruitment, and candidate shortlists are reviewed to promote diversity in appointments.
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Professional Development and Fellowships: The university provides grants, research incentives, and training programs for early-career academics, female faculty, and minority scholars, supporting equitable representation within the teaching and research workforce.
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Leadership Development: Specialized workshops and mentoring circles equip emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds with the skills needed for academic and administrative advancement.
These measures foster a diverse, talented, and globally competent university community that reflects ANNU’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
Collaborative Partnerships and International Programs
ANNU actively collaborates with local, regional, and international partners to extend educational opportunities and professional pathways for marginalized populations.
Key Partnerships Include:
This partnership supports higher education access for women in developing countries, providing scholarships and training opportunities that promote stability and empowerment.
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“GRIT Project” (Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Technical Education)
Implemented through Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology / ANNU in collaboration with the Lutheran World Federation and Canadian Lutheran World Relief, this project strengthens gender responsiveness and inclusiveness in the technical and vocational education system across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, improving employability for women, including those with disabilities. -
Community and School Partnerships
The university collaborates with local schools, NGOs, and municipalities to identify gifted students from rural and low-income families, providing preparatory programs, mentoring, and admission support to ensure successful university transition.
These partnerships reinforce ANNU’s regional leadership in equitable education and gender-inclusive innovation.