Nakhchivan State University (NSU) has implemented a series of extensive measures to promote gender equality and increase the representation of women in education, research, and leadership. In alignment with SDG 5 objectives, NSU has demonstrated significant progress in the following areas: NSU has provided extensive opportunities for women in education through specific scholarship programs. Currently, 723 female students benefit from four dedicated scholarship programs, reflecting an increase of 94 recipients compared to the previous year. Since the 2021-2022 academic year, NSU has also introduced student loan programs, from which over 1,000 students have benefited to date. Of these, 597 are women, compared to 463 men. In the last academic year alone, of the 347 loans awarded, 217 were granted to female students, underscoring NSU’s commitment to supporting women’s access to higher education.
In the admissions process, NSU has successfully maintained gender balance as part of its policy. This year, out of 2,238 total admissions, 1,297 were female students, affirming the university’s commitment to equal educational access.
The representation of women among NSU’s faculty surpasses that of men, with women holding 53.0% percent of senior staff roles. Additionally, one of NSU’s vice-rectors is female, which highlights NSU’s dedication to promoting women in leadership positions and fostering an inclusive governance environment. This year, 25 female academics participated in leadership training programs within the university. These initiatives support women in acquiring decision-making and management skills, thus broadening their representation in leadership roles. NSU has allocated a significant portion of its research budget to support female researchers, with 72 percent of the funds directed to women-led research projects. This financial support has enabled female researchers to publish studies in high-impact journals, further strengthening their academic contributions. In 2023, NSU supported the publication of 39 research articles focused on gender topics, many of which were published with waived fees. This commitment underlines NSU’s dedication to advancing gender-based research and supporting female researchers. To further professional growth and career advancement, NSU has collaborated with various institutions, organizing seven major training sessions throughout the year. These sessions saw over 2,400 participants, providing opportunities for women to expand their professional networks, develop their skills, and enhance their career paths within and beyond academia. NSU organized two marketplaces in 2023 to support women’s economic independence and showcase their skills. These events featured handmade crafts created by women, offering them a platform for sales and greater visibility. This initiative not only provides social and economic support for women but also encourages their engagement in the community. Through such efforts, NSU is actively promoting gender equality and empowering women to participate more fully in economic activities. Through these comprehensive initiatives, NSU has made substantial strides in achieving SDG 5, demonstrating a strong commitment to gender equality. The university’s programs for female students, researchers, and faculty have paved the way for increased access to education, representation in leadership, and growth in research, fostering an inclusive environment that empowers women across all academic and professional fields.
