Gender Office

Director’s Message

Welcome to the Gender Office of Bahir Dar University (BDU). Our office is engaged in various programs aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality across the university community.

Main Objectives

  • Empower female students to achieve academic success through trainings, workshops, and awareness programs.
  • Provide tutorials, financial and material assistance to needy students, and arrange counseling services.
  • Empower female lecturers in teaching, research, and leadership through experience-sharing, discussion, and learning forums.

The Office also works with both local and international partners to promote gender equality and ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment. We welcome collaboration and feedback from all stakeholders.

Background

The Gender Office of BDU, formerly known as the Female Education Center, was established in 2001 G.C. to support female students toward successful completion of their studies. Today, the office coordinates initiatives focused on enhancing female academic success and promoting gender equality. It is directly accountable to the Office of the President.

Major Activities

  • Organizing orientation and welcome programs for first-year female students.
  • Providing reading rooms and study materials for female students.
  • Offering tutorials on selected courses for first-year students.
  • Identifying students with financial problems and providing basic support.
  • Supporting and organizing female student clubs.
  • Arranging life skills and gender awareness trainings, including assertiveness and leadership workshops.
  • Providing advisory and counseling services to help students handle academic and social challenges.
  • Celebrating International Women’s Day (March 8) and conducting awareness programs across the university.
  • Creating partnerships with organizations working on gender issues and promoting research on gender-related topics.
  • Empowering female lecturers through continuous training, seminars, and networking forums.
  • Encouraging female lecturers to serve as role models and mentors for female students.

Staff

  • Director
  • Four Gender Officers (serving various campuses including Textile, Business & Economics, Engineering, and Main Campus)
  • Two Support Staff Members

Contact Us

  • Birhane Mengiste
    Director, Gender Office
  • Tel: +251 582 220 398
  • P.O. Box 79
  • Email: mengbir@gmail.com
  • Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia