Mentoring women’s

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is committed to empowering women and girls through innovative programs that promote leadership and technological skills.

The CodeMaven 2.0 Girls2Code program, a collaboration between the School of Computer Sciences at USM and Telebort, aims to inspire interest in technology among girls aged 7-12. Utilizing the LAUNCH, CODE, and JAM model, the program begins with a virtual launch introducing basic coding skills, followed by hands-on workshops focused on interactive storytelling through Scratch. It culminates in a face-to-face animation hackathon at Makerspace@USM, where participants showcase their skills, evaluated by experts from Intel STEM and USM. In its third installment, CodeMaven successfully engaged 142 girls and featured mentorship from 14 female university students, fostering a vital platform for the next generation of female tech creators.

Additionally, USM hosts the Harpswell ASEAN Program in Women’s Leadership, an annual two-week initiative for young professional women (ages 25-30) from ASEAN countries. Organized in partnership with the Harpswell Foundation and USM's Center for Research on Women and Gender (KANITA), the program aims to inspire social change in Southeast Asia by promoting women's active participation in leadership roles.

Through these initiatives, USM fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, enabling women and girls to thrive, lead, and make meaningful contributions to society.

Scholarships for Women

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) offers financial support to female students through the Bantuan Zakat Sara Hidup Pelajar USM Sidang 2023/2024. This scholarship initiative is designed to alleviate financial burdens, allowing female students to focus on their academic and personal growth without the added stress of financial challenges.

By providing this targeted support, USM aims to enhance access to education for women, ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder their educational journeys. This initiative reflects USM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment for all students, with particular attention to empowering women in higher education.

Provisions for Women at Universiti Sains Malaysia: Promoting Equality and Support

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has implemented comprehensive provisions to foster an equitable and supportive environment for women. Recognizing the unique needs and contributions of female students and staff, USM has established a range of facilities, policies, and initiatives focused on empowering women.

Among its notable provisions, USM offers on-campus childcare facilities, including free lactation rooms, to support working mothers and create a family-friendly workplace. This facility is part of USM’s broader commitment to work-life balance, allowing mothers to maintain their careers or studies while ensuring their children’s care needs are met.

USM also enforces maternity policies that grant essential leave and support to female staff and students during and after pregnancy. These policies align with national laws and international standards, ensuring that women are not disadvantaged in their academic or career progression due to pregnancy or motherhood.

Moreover, USM’s policies actively promote equality and protect women’s rights, addressing areas such as recruitment, participation, and retention. With a commitment to gender inclusivity, USM has developed laws and policies aimed at creating an environment free from discrimination and fostering equal opportunities for all genders.

Through these provisions, USM underscores its dedication to creating a supportive, inclusive campus where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully, supported by policies that respect their rights and needs.