RUET upholds the principles of gender equality and inclusiveness by ensuring equal rights, opportunities, and access for all students, faculty members, and staff—regardless of gender. The university actively promotes respectful participation, balanced representation, and gender-sensitive practices in academic, administrative, and extracurricular spheres, aligning strongly with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality).
Institutional Commitment and Representation
Gender-Inclusive Admissions: RUET ensures gender-inclusive admissions through a transparent, merit-based national entrance system, providing equal opportunity for both male and female applicants to pursue higher education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Equal Residential Facilities: Both male and female residential halls are established on campus, with equivalent access to healthcare, recreational, and academic facilities, ensuring a safe and supportive living environment for all students. (ruet.ac.bd)
Improving Gender Ratio: Across academic departments, the gender ratio among students is gradually improving, with an increasing number of female students enrolled in traditionally male-dominated disciplines such as Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
Faculty and Administrative Representation: RUET also maintains gender representation in faculty recruitment, encouraging diversity across academic and administrative roles.
Programs, Research, and Campus Initiatives
IEEE RUET Women in Engineering (WIE): The IEEE RUET Women in Engineering (WIE) Affinity Group works toward creating equal academic and professional opportunities by organizing leadership workshops, mentoring sessions, and awareness campaigns for both male and female students to build inclusive mindsets in STEM. (ieeeruetsb.net)
SheSTEM Initiative: In January 2025, the Department of Industrial & Production Engineering (IPE) hosted “SheSTEM: Career Knows No Gender,” a national event under the SheSTEM Consortium. It emphasized that career success in science and technology is defined by skill and passion, not gender. (ipe.ruet.ac.bd)
Gender-Balanced Club Participation: RUET clubs, including the Debating Club, Career Forum, and Robotics Society, maintain gender-balanced participation and leadership roles, promoting equal representation in extracurricular and leadership development activities.
Research on Gender and STEM: Research at RUET has also addressed topics of gender participation in STEM education and the social challenges faced by women in technical fields, contributing data-driven insights into national gender equity discussions. (jeas.ruet.ac.bd)
Safe and Supportive Environment
Anti-Discrimination Policies: RUET strictly enforces policies against discrimination and harassment, promoting a culture of mutual respect and equality.
Psychological Support Center: A Psychological Support Center operates on campus to ensure mental health and emotional well-being for all genders, offering counselling services and peer-support programs. (chem.ruet.ac.bd)
Gender Awareness Events: The university frequently observes national and international events like International Women’s Day and Gender Awareness Seminars, which involve participation from all genders to build a cooperative and respectful academic culture.
Impact and Future Directions
RUET’s approach to gender equality emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and awareness among all genders rather than separation. By encouraging shared participation, equal access, and gender-sensitive leadership, RUET aims to create a balanced academic ecosystem that benefits the entire university community.
Future Goals Include:
Enhancing Gender Representation: Enhancing gender representation in both student and faculty populations through targeted scholarships, mentorship, and recruitment initiatives.
Expanding Leadership Programs: Expanding leadership and professional development programs for all genders to promote shared equity in STEM and administration.
Conducting Gender Audits: Conducting annual gender audits and publishing disaggregated data to evaluate progress toward complete equality.
Strengthening Policy Frameworks: Strengthening policy frameworks to maintain safety, inclusivity, and dignity for everyone on campus.