Goal 10. Reduced Inequality
10.6.6 Support for underrepresented groups
2023-2024
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport is committed to supporting underrepresented groups as a vital part of fostering a fair and equitable society. These communities often face systemic barriers that lead to marginalization, requiring targeted assistance to help them overcome challenges and realize their full potential. Through its dedicated efforts, the Academy empowers individuals to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society. This support takes various forms, tailored to address the unique needs and circumstances of different groups. Affirmative action and inclusive policies must be implemented to ensure that all individuals, regardless of immigration status or background, have access to resources that promote upward mobility and mitigate the negative impacts of discrimination and inequities.
United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024
“AASTMT promotes outreach and recruitment of underrepresented groups through targeted initiatives. In collaboration with UNESCO, the Academy celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science at its Abu Kir Campus, aiming to encourage female students to pursue STEM disciplines. The event highlighted pathways for women’s leadership in science and enhanced opportunities for inclusion and representation in higher education.
United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024
International Conference Gendercom2023
In line with its commitment to advancing inclusion and equity, the College of Language and Communication at Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport actively participated in GENDERCOM 2023, hosted by University of Cádiz in Spain. The College presented research papers addressing gender issues as a key dimension of social inclusion and chaired a special conference session, reflecting its leadership role in international academic dialogue on reducing inequalities
https://aast.edu/en/news/news-details.php?language=1&unit_id=527&news_id=486103504&event_type_id=1
AASTMT celebrating the International Day of Disabilities:
As part of its ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and reducing inequalities, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport organized a special event titled “The Role of the Academy in Supporting and Empowering People of Determination.”
The event showcased the Academy’s comprehensive approach to supporting students with disabilities through accessible campus facilities, tailored academic support, and inclusive learning environments. Several students and graduates with disabilities shared inspiring success stories, reflecting the impact of the Academy’s inclusive practices.
The Academy’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all, emphasizing the strategic importance of equity and inclusion in its sustainable development agenda. The Sustainable Development Department also highlighted the Academy’s achievements in global sustainability rankings, particularly those linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
https://gate.ahram.org.eg/News/5059509.aspx
AASTMT Recognized for Inclusive Participation of People of Determination
In line with its commitment to fostering inclusion, equity, and reducing inequalities, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) was awarded the Shield for Best Participation of People of Determination during the Fifth Sector Private Universities Championship in the 2023–2024 academic year. This recognition reflects the Academy’s proactive and structured approach to empowering students from underrepresented groups, particularly students of determination, by ensuring their full engagement in athletic and extracurricular programs.
AASTMT provides accessible facilities, adaptive resources, and specialized support to remove barriers to participation, enabling these students to take an active role in campus life and wider society. Through this initiative, the Academy demonstrates its leadership in advancing SDG 10.6.6, which focuses on enhancing opportunities and participation for underrepresented groups as part of its inclusive development strategy.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Awareness & Inclusion Activities
At the Heliopolis branch, the Student Affairs Office organized a dedicated program on 14 December 2023 to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The initiative actively engaged students and persons of determination in collaboration with civil society partners to foster awareness, promote inclusion, and reduce stigma. By integrating underrepresented groups into campus social activities, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) demonstrates its commitment to equity, participation, and empowerment. The program addressed systemic barriers, health disparities, and social inequality through inclusive engagement and affirmative action, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to participate fully in university life.
https://aast.edu/en/student-affairs/heliopolis/contenttemp.php?page_id=55900049
Orphan Day: Promoting Social Justice and Inclusion during Ramadan
During Ramadan, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) organized a special “Orphan Day” event, inviting children from local orphanages to join students for Iftar, entertainment activities, and gift-giving. This initiative fosters social justice, inclusion, and social integration by actively engaging vulnerable groups and bridging socio-economic divides. By creating shared spaces and experiences, the Academy addresses social inequality and disparities, promoting equity, affirmative action, and upward social mobility. This outreach reflects AASTMT’s commitment to building a more inclusive academic community and strengthening its role in supporting marginalized populations.
https://aast.edu/en/student-affairs/heliopolis/contenttemp.php?page_id=55900049
Skill-Building Workshops & Creative Outreach Programs
Under its social engagement and inclusion agenda, the Heliopolis branch of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) organized a series of capacity-building workshops and outreach activities—such as candle-making, concrete art, and the “From Human to Human” campaign—designed to foster equity, inclusion, and empowerment. These initiatives provide equitable access to non-academic skill development opportunities, promoting social integration and economic empowerment for students from diverse backgrounds. By reducing barriers linked to socio-economic disparities and strengthening participation of underrepresented groups, the Academy supports social mobility, inclusive development, and active community engagement.
2022-2023
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport is committed to supporting underrepresented groups as a vital part of fostering a fair and equitable society. These communities often face systemic barriers that lead to marginalization, requiring targeted assistance to help them overcome challenges and realize their full potential. Through its dedicated efforts, the Academy empowers individuals to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society. This support takes various forms, tailored to address the unique needs and circumstances of different groups. Affirmative action and inclusive policies must be implemented to ensure that all individuals, regardless of immigration status or background, have access to resources that promote upward mobility and mitigate the negative impacts of discrimination and inequities.
Sawiris Distinction Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
The Sawiris Foundation has chosen the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport as one of three prominent universities in Egypt to provide scholarships for 10 Egyptian high school students with disabilities. This initiative aims to offer excellent educational opportunities that enhance their skills and promote social inclusion, enabling these students to thrive in the job market. By supporting underrepresented groups, the scholarship fosters equal opportunities and empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential.
https://www.sawirisfoundation.org/en/projects/sawiris-scholarship-for-students-with-disabilities
Goodwill Incubator
The Goodwill Incubator, a groundbreaking initiative by the Entrepreneurship Center at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, aims to promote social inclusion and financial stability for entrepreneurs with disabilities. This incubator, the first of its kind for individuals with varying disabilities, is established in collaboration with Rowad 2030, a project of the Egyptian Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
The Goodwill Incubator aims to empower entrepreneurs with disabilities by enhancing social mobility and addressing job market disparities. Key objectives include fostering financial stability and supporting business development through various services:
- Training: Workshops to build essential entrepreneurial skills, combatting social inequality.
- Mentorship: Connecting individuals with experienced mentors to navigate challenges and address racial discrimination.
- Consultation: Expert guidance on tackling health disparities and inequities.
- Prototype Development: Assisting in creating innovative solutions to promote social integration.
The Incubator has several goals that empower individuals with disabilities to become self-employed and overcome social stratification and demonstrates a commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable business environment while promoting social justice and addressing economic inequality.
https://ec.aast.edu/contenttemp.php?page_id=48200217
Participation of college students and faculty members in a symposium and training entitled "Supporting Women and How to Deal with Physical Abuse and Harassment " in cooperation with the National Council for Women
The symposium, organized in collaboration with the National Council for Women, aimed to raise awareness about how women can address issues of social justice related to physical abuse and harassment. The event took place across three campuses of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT): the main campus in Abou Qir, the Sheraton Campus, and the New Alamein Campus.
This initiative focused on social inclusion and provided resources to help women navigate the disparities they face. Discussions included strategies for promoting equal opportunity and enhancing social mobility among women. The symposium emphasized the importance of integration and support for women, ensuring they have access to the tools necessary for combating inequalities and fostering a safe environment within the academic community.
2021-2022
AASTMT Supporting underrepresented groups is an essential aspect of building a just and equitable society. These groups, often marginalized and facing systemic barriers, require assistance to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. By providing support, we can empower them to thrive and contribute to society in meaningful ways. Supporting underrepresented groups takes various forms, depending on their specific needs and contexts.
Student Affairs-Alexandria | AASTMT
The Second International Conference for People with Disabilities
AASTMT commends the success of integrating people with disabilities in several fields with the contribution of civil society organizations. As well as, pays great attention to people with special needs The activities of the Second International Conference for People with Disabilities began on Saturday under the title "The role of entrepreneurship centers, accessibility and assistive technology towards full integration".
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION POLICY on the AASTMT news page
Life At The Academy on the AASTMT news page
About AC on the AASTMT news page
AASTMT Centers on the AASTMT news page