SDG 5: Gender Equality

[17.3.5 / 5_Summary] Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) Annual SDG 5 (Gender Equality) Progress Report for Data Year 2025.

On March 25, 2025, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), led by the University President and university administrators, held its fifth Student Admission Monitoring Meeting for Academic Year 2025 via Zoom Cloud Meeting. The meeting brought together representatives from faculties and colleges, academic staff, public relations personnel, educational guidance officers, and admission coordinators to review admission progress, address challenges, and enhance student recruitment strategies. RUTS provides an accessible online admission system that enables prospective students to register, select academic programmes, submit applications, and track their admission status.

On March 30 and October 18, 2025, the Student Development Division of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) organized special admission selection activities for students with outstanding athletic abilities for Academic Year 2025. The selection committee, chaired by Assistant Professor Piya Prasongchan, included faculty members specializing in athletics, football, volleyball, and badminton. The selection activities were conducted at the university's multipurpose building to assess applicants' sporting skills and achievements. This special admission initiative provides an alternative pathway to higher education for talented male and female athletes, recognizing their sporting achievements alongside their academic potential.

Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), through its Division of Student Development, is committed to promoting equal educational opportunities and supporting student well-being through scholarship information services and counselling-related initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce financial and emotional barriers to higher education while ensuring that both female and male students have access to essential support services. In 2025, the Division of Student Development actively publicized scholarship opportunities to help students, including female students, access financial assistance and pursue their academic goals. Additionally, on May 27, 2025, the university organized the “RUTS Cares Mental Health” workshop to strengthen university personnel's skills in counselling, providing initial mental health support, and referring students and staff to qualified specialists when necessary.

Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, and the university units responsible for student recruitment and educational guidance, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS). Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) is committed to advancing gender equality and expanding educational opportunities for female students, particularly in engineering and technology disciplines where women have traditionally been underrepresented. The university encourages women's participation in fields such as Marine Engineering by highlighting female students' achievements and promoting mentoring, workshops, and networking opportunities that support their academic and professional development.

Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) has announced its commitment to promoting gender equality and eliminating unfair gender-based discrimination, in accordance with Thailand’s Gender Equality Act B.E. 2558 (2015). The university recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive and equitable working environment that respects the dignity, rights, and gender identities of all personnel. The university’s commitment outlines practical measures to promote gender equality in personnel administration and workplace practices. These include allowing personnel to dress in accordance with their gender identity or expression, providing appropriate facilities based on individual needs and circumstances, ensuring that recruitment announcements and job qualifications do not unfairly specify gender, and promoting the appropriate use of language and terminology to prevent stereotyping and discrimination.

Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) is committed to promoting employee welfare, gender equality, and a supportive working environment that prioritizes maternity protection and work–life balance. The university has established personnel regulations to safeguard employees' rights and provide maternity leave benefits. Under Clause 26.2 of the 2025 Regulations Governing Income-Funded Employees, eligible employees are entitled to up to 90 days of maternity leave, including 45 days of paid leave provided by the university. This policy supports female employees during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal recovery while helping to ensure financial stability and family well-being. The maternity leave policy promotes physical and mental well-being, work–life balance, and equal employment opportunities.

RUTS initiative to support female students who are mothers is a commendable effort to create a more inclusive and accommodating environment for students. The university has set up dedicated areas where female students who are mothers can comfortably breastfeed their babies or use breast pumps. These spaces are designed to provide privacy and comfort, making it easier for mothers to continue their academic pursuits while still caring for their infants. The availability of breast pumps ensures that students can express breast milk conveniently, even if they need to be away from their babies for extended periods. To ensure that expressed breast milk remains fresh and safe, the university provides refrigeration facilities for storing breast milk.

RUTS has made provisions to support female employees with child care facilities and services. Including areas for breastfeeding with breast pumps and refrigerators for storing breast milk. Also, there are accommodations available for pregnant employees to rest as needed. Breastfeeding areas equipped with breast pumps offer vital support for nursing mothers. These spaces provide a comfortable and private environment, allowing employees to express milk during their workday. For breast milk we prepared refrigerators for storing expressed breast milk is an important enhancement to breastfeeding facilities. This ensures that milk remains safe and fresh until mothers can access it for feeding their infants. Moreover, providing rest accommodations for pregnant employees is crucial for their well-being.

_________ RUTS tracks the graduation rates of its students. For the academic year 2025, a total of 2,210 female students successfully completed their studies. The university also has a system in place to monitor the employment status of its graduates. Monitoring graduation rates and tracking the employment status of graduates are vital for evaluating the educational outcomes and success of students at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya. These initiatives enable the university to refine its programs and support services, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers and equipped for success after graduation.

Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) is committed to promoting gender equality, fairness, and inclusivity by providing accessible complaint and reporting channels for students, staff, and the wider community. Through its official complaint platform, individuals can raise concerns and report incidents of discrimination, sexual harassment, or unfair treatment via telephone, postal mail, or email. These channels support transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual rights while encouraging a safe and respectful university environment. By facilitating access to complaint and grievance procedures, RUTS reinforces its commitment to equal opportunities and non-discrimination.

SDG 5 GENDER EQUALITY SDG 5.6.9 Paternity policy Ongoing policy implementation under the university's 2018 regulations governing working hours, leave, and compensation for university employees. Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) promotes gender equality and a family-friendly working environment by providing leave entitlements for male employees to assist their legally recognized wives during childbirth. The policy is based on the university's regulations governing working hours, leave, and compensation for university employees, together with the Prime Minister's Office Regulations on Leave for Government Officials B.E. 2555 (2012). Under Clause 20 of the university's regulations, eligible employees may request leave to assist their wives during childbirth for a continuous period of up to 15 working days.