Women’s Access and Participation Policy
I. General provisions
1.1. In accordance with Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men” (No. O‘RQ-562, dated September 2, 2019), the Institute of the International School of Finance Technology and Science (hereinafter referred to as the Institute) is committed to protecting women's rights and legal interests. The Institute ensures equal opportunities for women in admission, education, research, and employment processes, and protects their legal rights and interests at all levels.
1.2. This policy applies to all women applicants, students, faculty, staff, and participants in Institute programs. It governs procedures for admission, academic support, participation, and advancement with a specific focus on removing gender-based barriers.
1.3. The Institute guarantees equal access to resources, academic programs, student support services, and career opportunities for female students and staff. Special attention is given to vulnerable groups including young mothers, low-income women, and those entering non-traditional academic fields.
1.4. Through this policy, Institute fosters a safe, inclusive, and empowering academic environment for women, aimed at supporting their academic, professional, and personal growth.
II. Key concepts
Gender Equality: Ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for women and men in all institutional processes, including access to education, employment, leadership, and participation.
Women’s Access and Participation: The processes and measures ensuring that women have equitable opportunities to apply, enroll, study, work, and thrive within the Institute community.
Inclusive Environment: A setting where all women—regardless of background, age, or personal circumstances—are supported, respected, and encouraged to participate fully.
Support Services: Institutional programs such as financial aid, mentoring, childcare, and psychological assistance, tailored to support women’s educational and professional success.
Monitoring and Evaluation: A system of regular data collection, feedback, and analysis to assess women’s access, retention, and success at the Institute.
III. Goals and objectives
3.1. To ensure equitable access to education and employment opportunities for women at all levels of engagement with the Institute.
3.2. To implement targeted programs and services that remove systemic and practical barriers to women’s full participation.
3.3. To increase female representation in leadership roles within the Institute and among student governance bodies.
3.4. To promote women’s access and participation awareness among students and staff through campaigns, training, and curriculum integration.
3.5. To regularly assess institutional performance on women and men equity and report progress transparently.
3.6. To enhance women's participation in research initiatives, through establishing dedicated funding opportunities and grants specifically aimed at female researchers.
IV. Measures
4.1. Female applicants are afforded equal consideration in competitive entrance examinations. Scholarships are available to support women who encounter financial difficulties. Equal access to mentoring, digital tools, accommodation, and transportation is ensured.
4.2. Institute prioritize the psychological support of women by fostering resilience, enhancing self-efficacy, and promoting mental well-being. On-campus childcare services and psychological support are available to empower women in various environments, helping them thrive both personally and professionally. Additionally, flexible academic pathways are provided for pregnant students and young mothers.
4.3. Enhanced career support programs are offered for female students pursuing high-demand fields, especially in STEM and leadership roles. These programs feature workshops focused on skill development, personalized counselling services, and mentorship opportunities tailored to specific industries.
4.4. Initiatives are implemented to enhance women's participation in academic, administrative, and student leadership roles. Faculty development programs are designed to empower female staff to pursue higher positions within their institutions. Additionally, the achievements and success stories of women in STEM and leadership are regularly showcased to inspire others.
4.5. Workshops and events are held to foster gender-sensitive practices across all departments. Gender parity in teams, coursework, and research activities is actively monitored. Campus safety measures are enforced, including secure lighting, reporting systems, and protocols against harassment.
4.6. Collaborative research projects are encouraged, fostering partnerships between women faculty, students, and industry leaders to promote knowledge exchange and innovation. Workshops and seminars focusing on research methodologies, grant writing, and publication strategies will be organized to equip women with the necessary skills and confidence to pursue their research interests. Women’s organizations and student clubs are funded and encouraged to provide peer support and advocacy.
V. Monitoring and evaluation
5.1. The Learning Management System (LMS, HEMIS) tracks progress of female students from entry to graduation.
5.2. Annual needs assessments are conducted to identify barriers faced by women in key areas: economic stability, education, health, environment, culture, and safety.
5.3. Feedback surveys are conducted to gather women's experiences to guide policy updates.
5.4. Institute's Council is held accountable for monitoring access and retention data, reported in annual reviews.
VI. Disciplinary actions
6.1. Any action that restricts women’s access to opportunities or discriminates against them will result in disciplinary review.
6.2. Complaints related to gender discrimination can be submitted via official feedback channels. A dedicated committee reviews them fairly.
6.3. Violations of this policy may lead to consequences according to institutional and national regulations.
6.4. The Women's Council plays a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the policy, ensuring that any actions taken to restrict women's access to opportunities are promptly addressed and reviewed. The Council actively monitors the complaints submitted through official channels, working closely with the dedicated committee to ensure that each case is handled with fairness and transparency.
VII. Final provisions
7.1. This policy is subject to regular review and revision by the Institute’s Council to remain aligned with national laws and international standards.
7.2. The policy is disseminated across faculties, made available on internal systems, and explained in orientation and training sessions.
7.3. The Institute affirms that the advancement of women is essential to institutional excellence and national development. The leadership commits to continuous improvement in promoting access, equity, and success for women.
The Uzbek language version of the Policy shall prevail in terms of legal force.