To create a diverse, inclusive workplace and campus culture, SUAD is committed to becoming an exemplar in terms of Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Tolerance. This is achieved through a number of initiatives that are underpinned by engagement with the external community and networks to promote the tenets of IDE&T in the UAE and beyond. 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is deeply committed to promoting gender equality through various initiatives and programmes aimed at empowering women in education and beyond. The university fosters an inclusive academic environment that encourages female participation across all disciplines, particularly in STEM fields, where women have historically been underrepresented. Through mentorship programmes, workshops, and community outreach, the university actively supports women in their academic and professional pursuits. Additionally, the university ensures that there is no discrimination accepted at any level of the organisation to ensure an equitable and harmonious, professional and ethical working environment for all. This is embedded in the code of practice and respective institutional policies. By championing gender equality, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi not only enhances educational outcomes but also helps shape future leaders who are equipped to drive positive change. 

The university tracks the number of female applications, offers, acceptance rates, and admission rates to ensure that all relevant services and support are available to support them on their journey. The university also has metrics to track women’s likelihood of completing their degrees on time and have implemented strategies to support this. This data is available to all departments through a dedicated Power BI application. 

At Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, promoting equality is a key priority. This is reflected in the significant number of women holding leadership positions across the institution. While SUAD demonstrates its commitment to gender equality through a near-equal ratio of female to male staff—currently around 50%—the true measure of this commitment lies in the remarkable representation of women in leadership roles. Notably, 60% of the university’s Board of Trustees are women, including both the Chair and Deputy Chair—an exceptional achievement at both national and international levels. 

In addition, the university’s Vice Chancellor is female, 60% of the heads of academic departments are women, and over 50% of the heads of administrative and academic support departments are also female. This strong representation reflects the university’s deep and sustained commitment to gender balance and the empowerment of women in higher education. 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment and does not tolerate discrimination in any form during the acceptance of students or the hiring of staff. This is embedded in all institutional policies which explicitly incorporate this non-discrimination principle, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, or any other characteristic. The university fosters a welcoming community that values the contributions of every member, enriching the academic experience for all. 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is dedicated to supporting women in every aspect, including encouraging expectant mothers to engage fully and thrive within the university. 

Female employees are entitled to maternity leave with full pay for a period of up to 60 calendar days, starting up to one month before the expected delivery date, in accordance with UAE Labour Law. 

For the 18 months following delivery, female employees are entitled to two additional breaks per day for nursing, with no reduction in remuneration. 

A parental leave policy is also in place to support women by encouraging fathers to actively participate in childcare responsibilities. 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi provides retailer discount cards, including FAZAA, Entertainer, and MAZAYA, which feature discounts for nurseries and schools. This initiative indirectly supports staff and faculty by helping to alleviate childcare costs, demonstrating the university’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its community. 

SUAD celebrates International Women’s Day each year through the arts, providing a powerful platform to honour the creativity and resilience of women. Art, in its many forms—including painting, theatre, music and literature—serves as a medium for self-expression and storytelling, enabling women to share their unique experiences and perspectives. These artistic expressions spark important conversations about gender equality and inspire positive change. 

The Women Empowerment Club is a dynamic student organisation dedicated to promoting gender equality, fostering a sense of community, and empowering young women to realise their full potential. Through a variety of engaging activities, including workshops, seminars, and discussion panels, the club provides a supportive platform for members to explore issues related to women's rights, leadership, and personal development. 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi reinforces its commitment to empowering women with spirited tournaments, highlighting the strength and achievements of women in sports and academia. 

In the frame of the Go Green initiative, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has created a series of short videos titled “Women in Research for Sustainability”. 

This series aims to give a platform to female researchers at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi who, as key contributors to sustainability across diverse fields of expertise, demonstrate that climate change is a complex issue that can be addressed through multiple, yet complementary, approaches. From environmental engineers and physicists to lawyers, sociologists and archival professionals, these researchers are working collectively to create a more sustainable world for all.