SDG 5: Gender Equality 

18 related courses were offered in the 2023-24 academic year.   

According to Science Direct, from 2020 to 2024, HKUST published 29 research papers addressing SDG 5. 

24.14% of them are in the top 10% cite score and 79.3% are internationally co-authored. 

Publication

Apart from the effort of creating a gender-equal working and studying environment, HKUST is also contributing to gender equality through research. 

The publications "Boardroom gender diversity reforms and institutional monitoring: global evidence”, " Reframing policy responses to population aging in Iran ", and " Confronting Inequalities and Bridging the Divide: A Retrospective Study Assessment of Country-Level COVID-19 Vaccine Equality with a Cox Regression Model " are the evidence of such contribution. They act as credential proofs of the existence of gender inequality, and explored the opportunities for improvement, 

Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Sexual Harassment Policies

The University has implemented Anti-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policies to ensure a fair and inclusive working environment. These policies are based on the four anti-discrimination laws in Hong Kong, which cover sex, disability, family status, and race.  

Maternity, Paternity Policies Supporting Participation

Additionally, HKUST provides maternity leave, paternity leave and bereavement leave for eligible appointees. The campus also has designated spaces called Mothers' Stations to support nursing mothers.  

Equal Opportunities and Anti-discrimination Policy

The University is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive and open learning and working environment in which members of our community including students, faculty and staff are treated with fairness, presented with equality of opportunities, with diversity valued and respected. The University aims to ensure that equality is embedded into its functions, operations and activities. The University opposes, and will proactively challenge and eliminate, any form of discrimination and harassment, prejudices and biases to ensure a level playing field, regardless of any individual characteristics. 

Prevention and Handling of Discrimination and Harassment 

In the university’s efforts to protect the safety and well-being of the faculty, the Prevention and Handling of Discrimination and Harassment: Guidelines for Supervisors and Managers was created. This set of guidelines aims to empower supervisors and managers, or those with leadership responsibilities, at HKUST when it comes to advising on discrimination and/or harassment and suggest best practices for preventing discrimination and harassment at workplace/learning environment. 

Pay Equity 

At HKUST, we are committed to promoting gender pay equity as a fundamental principle of our institution. We actively monitor and address pay disparities to ensure that all employees, regardless of gender, receive fair and equal compensation for their contributions. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of equality and opportunity for all members of our community, free from discrimination and harassment. Our pay policy aligns with the principles of Equal Pay for Equal Work (EPEW) and Equal Pay for Equal Value (EPEV), utilizing a job evaluation system that objectively assesses and compares the value of different roles in a systematic and gender-neutral manner. This approach ensures transparency and fairness in our compensation practices, reinforcing our commitment to gender pay equity. 

Reach Out to Migrant Domestic Workers

Reach Out to Migrant Domestic Workers was a collaborative event with PathFinders to simply aid the domestic workers through engaging in conversations with them. The volunteers were able to gain a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges experienced by migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.  

HKUST is committed to achieving gender parity, especially in STEM fields, and actively promotes diversity and the reduction of stereotypes for a more equitable society. In celebration of International Women's Day (IWD), the university organizes a range of events every year, including a book corner, workshops, and exhibitions Celebrating Women’s Achievements in 2024 and encourage individuals to participate in these events or become ambassadors to share the message in person or on social media.   

The Women Faculty Association (WFA) at HKUST was established in 2011 by a group of dedicated women faculty members from all four schools of the university with the mission of actively promoting a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and intellectually vibrant environment at the university. The association welcomes all faculty members and strives for diversity in terms of gender, discipline, cultural background, and personal experiences. It provides mentoring and support networks for women faculty and students, organizes seminars and forums, supports university initiatives, and has established scholarships and camps to encourage women's participation in underrepresented fields.

The Women in Business (WIB) at HKUST aims to empower women, introduce aspiring executives to professionals, and close the gender gap in leadership. WIB offers mentorship and projects for students such as the Project Leadership Program that enhances students’ professional development by connecting them with successful female industry leaders.  

The WISE Scholarship established by HKUST aims to encourage high-achieving female students to pursue studies in science, engineering, or interdisciplinary studies by providing financial support and recognition. The scholarship not only recognizes academic excellence but also considers non-academic talents, achievements in science and technology competitions, and interview performance.