Canadian University Dubai — Encouraging Women in Underrepresented Fields
Our Commitment
Canadian University Dubai is actively committed to encouraging women in underrepresented fields, specifically in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Business. Through targeted outreach, dedicated mentorship schemes, and financial incentives, CUD ensures that female students have the support, role models, and opportunities needed to thrive in these traditionally male-dominated sectors.
1. Outreach and Pipeline Schemes
CUD engages in pipeline programmes to spark interest in STEM and business among young girls and prospective students.
| Scheme Name | Target Audience | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technovation | Girls aged 10–18 | CUD hosted the 2018 season kickoff, providing hands-on experience in app development and entrepreneurship. CUD faculty trained mentors for this global coding program. | Directly increases the pipeline of young women interested in technology and business leadership. |
| TEDxDeiraWomen & AlWaslWomen TEDx | General Public / Students | CUD sponsored and hosted TEDx events celebrating women’s achievements in overcoming career challenges, often featuring women in tech and business. | Shifts societal perceptions and showcases female role models in leadership. |
2. Mentorship and Career Development Schemes
CUD connects female students with high-level industry mentors to build confidence and professional identity in their chosen fields.
| Scheme Name | Partner | Target Audience | Impact on Women in Underrepresented Fields |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women@Dior Mentorship | Christian Dior Couture | Female students in Business/PR/Marketing | High-potential students are paired with Dior professional mentors. In one cohort, 6 of the 7 UAE mentees were CUD students. |
| CUD Incubator Women's Mentorship | CUD Business Incubator | Female entrepreneurs | Actively involves successful female faculty and entrepreneurs to guide female students in transforming ideas into startups. |
3. Academic and Competition Support Schemes
CUD encourages female students to participate in high-level STEM and business competitions, providing a platform to demonstrate their expertise.
- Mechatronics Ladies Team: CUD actively supports an all-female engineering team that won first place in the UAE IEEE Engineering Design contest in 2022 and 2023, beating teams from over 20 other universities.
- All-Girl Research Team: In 2016, a team of four female mechatronics students was highly commended in the National Undergraduate Student Research Competition for their economics research project.
- Faculty Mentorship: Professors like Dr. Rita Zgheib (Computer Engineering) actively urge female students to join hackathons and research competitions, often in all-women teams, to build resilience and problem-solving skills.
4. Financial Incentives and Scholarships
To lower financial barriers for women entering underrepresented fields, CUD provides specific financial support.
- Prioritized Scholarships: Female applicants may receive priority consideration for scholarships when applying to STEM or other programs where women are under-represented.
- Gender-Inclusive Financial Aid: All financial hardship and academic excellence scholarships are open to women on equal terms.
5. Promoting Visible Role Models
CUD fosters an environment where women in STEM and business see themselves represented in leadership.
- Student Leadership: Shaima Al Hai made history as CUD's first female Student Council President, serving two consecutive terms.
- Faculty Leadership: Women hold prominent academic roles, including Dr. Khulood Khansaheb (Manager of the CUD Incubator) and Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi (award-winning public health expert and former Director General of Friends of Cancer Patients).
Alignment with National and Global Goals
These initiatives align with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), particularly UN Target 5.5 (ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership) and Target 5.1 (end discrimination). By intentionally encouraging women in underrepresented fields like STEM and business, CUD actively contributes to closing the gender gap in these critical industries.
For more information, contact the Student Affairs Office or the CUD Incubator.