Non-Discrimination Policy for Women

Non-Discrimination Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

The University of Oum El Bouaghi is firmly committed to upholding women’s rights and ensuring gender equality across all areas of academic and community life.
This policy is grounded in:

• Article 37 and Article 53 of the Algerian Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and equal access to education and professional training without discrimination based on sex or any other status.
• The Charter of Ethics and University Deontology issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS), which prohibits all forms of discrimination, harassment, or violence within academic institutions.
• The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979), ratified by Algeria, which commits member states to eliminate discrimination against women in education, employment, and participation in public life.

2. Key Principles

The following principles guide the University’s non-discrimination policy:

• Gender Equality:
  All members of the university community—students, staff, and faculty—are entitled to equal access to education, employment, and participation in decision-making processes, regardless of gender.
• Non-Discrimination:
  No person shall be treated unfairly, excluded, or penalized based on gender, marital status, or any gender-related grounds. All university operations, from admissions to promotions, must reflect this principle.
• Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV):
  The university condemns all forms of gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, exploitation, or intimidation, and commits to applying national and institutional legal frameworks to prevent and sanction such acts.

3. Actions and Implementation

To ensure effective application of this policy, the University of Oum El Bouaghi shall:

• Promote Gender Equality:
  Implement initiatives that encourage women’s participation in education, research, leadership, and technical fields traditionally underrepresented by women.
• Raise Awareness and Build Capacity:
  Conduct regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions to raise awareness about gender equality, diversity, and inclusion across the university community.
• Establish Reporting Mechanisms:
  Create confidential and accessible mechanisms for reporting cases of discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence, while ensuring victim protection, psychological support, and disciplinary follow-up.
• Support Women’s Empowerment:
  Facilitate scholarships, mentoring, and research opportunities to strengthen women’s participation and leadership at all academic and administrative levels.
• Review Institutional Regulations:
  Periodically review internal laws, policies, and recruitment procedures to identify and amend any provisions that could lead to gender bias or discrimination.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

This policy is subject to periodic review and evaluation by the University Ethics and Deontology Committee, which operates under the authority of the Rectorate.
The Committee is responsible for:

• Monitoring the implementation of gender equality measures.
• Reporting annually on progress and challenges.
• Recommending policy updates in accordance with evolving national legislation, international conventions, and best institutional practices.

5. Legal and Institutional References

• Algerian Constitution (2020): Articles 37, 53, and 58.
• Charter of Ethics and University Deontology (MESRS, Algeria).
• Law No. 08-04 of 23 January 2008 on Higher Education, emphasizing equality of access and non-discrimination.
• CEDAW (1979) – Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
• Executive Decree No. 21-144 (2021) on the organization and functioning of higher education institutions, including ethical and gender-equality obligations.