Situation Analysis of Female Academics' Career Advancement in Higher Education in Syria

Authors

  • Serene Dalati Dr.
  • Rim Omar r-omar@aiu.edu.sy, Arab International University, Ghabagheb, Syria
  • Hala Alchach h-chach@aiu.edu.sy, Arab International University, Ghabagheb, Syria
  • Rewa Alkhatib r-khatib@aiu.edu.sy, Arab International University, Ghabagheb, Syria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/icgr.7.1.2222

Keywords:

Gender Equality, Career Advancement, Female Academic Empowerment, Higher Education, Syria

Abstract

This research examines factors which may be influencing female academics career advancement at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Syria. The paper conducts situation analysis on academic environment at HEI in Syria, exploring factors which may be impacting female academics experience and career progression and lack of academic representation at senior management levels. The paper examines a private HEIs investigating the environment in Syria highlighting the situation after 2011. The methodology applied in diagnosing the situation, is based on data collected from a capacity building in higher education project (CBHE), funded by Erasmus+. The methodology employs the design of questionnaire survey administered at the research target group. A one-way translation from English to Arabic is performed by expert academics and verified by linguistic experts. The sample design employs nonprobability sampling techniques. The size of the sample is 47 observations for academics. The findings of the analysis are reported across individual, and institutional levels. The research results signify that interest in research is a strong motivator; while career satisfaction still reveals an area of future development. There is still little awareness on gender issues topics, as well as little research works being performed in the scope gender research issues. The concept of gender equality has a high potential for evolution and expansion on the intermediate and long term at the institutional and socio cultural contests in Syria. The future direction of this research emphasizes developing a conceptual framework on the factors which may be affecting female academics experience and career advancement in HEIs in Syria. Furthermore, future research recommends the development of institutional and national policies in the scope of gender equality, which could be reflected at human resources practices, environment of the workplace, infusion of gender at university mission and planning, curriculum, research, and university governance.

Author Biography

Rim Omar, r-omar@aiu.edu.sy, Arab International University, Ghabagheb, Syria

Dr Rim Omar the Head of interior design department, formal Vice Dean and member of both Scientific Affairs and Research councils at the Arab International University, Faculty of Arts. Rim has obtained her MA in Interior Architecture from Damascus University in 2011, followed by a PhD in January of 2018 titled with “The Role of Senses and Cognition in creating and designing functionally and aesthetically interior spaces” with a distinction grade. Rim has multiple work experiences including, an Interior Architect, a Business owner of Smart Design for Interior and graphic design, which created Visual identities for over 20 companies and a formal lecturer (from 2010 up to august of 2019) of Interior Architecture at International University for Science and Technology.Dr Omar has gained a variety of communication and managerial skills throughout her work life and will be providing administrative and financial support managing administrative tasks and support in the scope of environmental sustainability initiatives. Dr Omar has a number of research and publications in the scope of interior architecture. Rim has also completed online courses including "Female Empowerment in Higher Education", "Sustainability in Higher Education" and "Gender Equality Awareness", while she also attended the Consortium Working Session that  took place in the Spanish National Distance University from May 31 to June 3,2022.



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Published

2024-04-18