Gender equality
Empowering Women in Science, Technology & Leadership
About SDG 5
Sustainable Development Goal 5 promotes equality for all by ending discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against women and girls. It calls for equal access to education, employment, and leadership, ensuring women’s full participation in decision-making and economic life.
Gender equality is both a human right and a driver of sustainable development. When women are empowered, societies thrive, advancing innovation, resilience, and inclusive prosperity. In higher education, it means giving women the opportunity to lead in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Across Africa, Agenda 2063 Goal 17 reinforces this vision of full gender equality. Universities are central to that transformation,equipping women with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to shape a sustainable future.
BIUST's Commitment
The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) is firmly committed to gender equality. Guided by the Transformative Strategic Plan (2023 – 2028), the University embeds gender equity across teaching, research, and community engagement, in line with Botswana’s NDP 12, Vision 2036, and the UN SDGs.
Strategic Alignment
- Talent Management: advancing women’s leadership and career growth.
- Student Centricity: ensuring inclusive learning and support for all.
- Teaching & Learning Excellence: expanding women’s participation in STEM.
- Adaptive Research & Development Impact: fostering innovation that addresses gender and social challenges.
Key Highlights
- 295 female students enrolled in degree programmes.
- 23 % of senior academic staff are women, reflecting growing representation and leadership potential.
- 35 % of all graduates are women, including 118 female STEM graduates.
- Family-friendly policies include maternity and paternity leave and free childcare for students.
- GEMS (Girls Excelling in Mathematics and Science) mentors 36 girls from six rural schools, inspiring interest in STEM.
- Targeted recruitment and mentorship initiatives continue to bridge gender gaps in engineering and technology.
These priorities mirror BIUST’s own approach to inclusive education and empowerment.
What this Means for BIUST
- Leadership: BIUST is a progressive higher-education leader championing women’s empowerment.
- Inclusive Culture: Gender-sensitive and family-friendly policies support women’s retention and success.
- Community Impact: Programmes like GEMS strengthen gender awareness across Botswana.
- Future Focus: Expanding mentorship networks and visibility in research will enhance BIUST’s sustainability rankings.
In Essence
BIUST’s pursuit of SDG 5: Gender Equality integrates policy, outreach, and academic innovation to build an equitable environment. Through inclusive practices and mentorship, BIUST empowers women in STEM and leadership, contributing to Vision 2036, NDP 12, and Agenda 2063 Goal 17.
By embedding equality into its governance, academics, and community work, BIUST exemplifies how universities can drive transformation — ensuring every woman and girl has the opportunity to learn, lead, and shape a sustainable future