Image
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) is deeply committed to advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, research, innovation, and community engagement. As an entrepreneurial university, UMK embraces sustainability as a guiding principle that shapes its teaching, learning, and operational culture. The university strives to create meaningful social, environmental, and economic impact by nurturing responsible leaders, promoting inclusive growth, and developing solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

UMK believes that true progress is only possible when everyone is treated equally. The university promotes gender equality by ensuring fair opportunities, leadership representation, and an inclusive campus culture. Through advocacy and education, UMK empowers women and all genders to realize their full potential.

STEMATIC TRACKING OF WOMEN’S APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE RATES


UMK systematically measures and tracks application and entry rates by gender as part of its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls.

In the most recent admission cycle, female applicants constituted 70% of the total applications received, while male applicants represented 30%. At the entry stage, female students accounted for 66% of total entrants, compared to 33% male students.

This continuous monitoring enables the university to identify gender trends, assess the effectiveness of outreach and support programs, and promote equitable access to higher education opportunities for women. Through these efforts, the university contributes actively to SDG 5 by fostering gender inclusivity, empowering female participation in academia, and supporting a balanced and diverse learning environment.
Image

POLICY ON WOMEN’S ACCESS, ENTRY, AND PARTICIPATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION


Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) upholds the principle of equality and inclusiveness in its admission and recruitment policies. Based on the Programme Booklet and Specific Admission Requirements and the Guidelines for Qualification Recognition Review for the Purpose of Appointment into the Public Service (UMK), there is no distinction of gender in student applications, admission, or participation. This reflects UMK’s commitment to providing equal access and opportunities for all individuals, including women, in education and university activities.
Image
Image

WOMEN’S ACCESS SCHEMES AND SUPPORT PROGRAMMES


a) UMK Vice Chancellor Sponsorship

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) provides women’s access schemes including scholarships and support programmes to empower female students. For example, an outstanding STPM 2023 student, Harteenee Waekuechi, was awarded the UMK Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship to pursue her studies at UMK. This initiative reflects UMK’s commitment to supporting talented female students, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds such as asnaf and B40 groups, ensuring equal opportunities for women to access higher education and achieve academic success.
Image
Image
b) PUSPANITA Awarded

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) recognises and supports labour rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining for all staff, regardless of gender or nationality. UMK upholds inclusive practices that provide equal opportunities and support for women and international staff. In addition, through its Convocation Awards guided by the university’s excellence award policy, UMK acknowledges contributions to community welfare, including the PUSPANITA Community Care Award, which reflects the university’s commitment to promoting and recognising active participation, empowerment, and representation of women within the institution.
Image

c) IDEAS: Increasing Digital Skill and E-Commerce of ASEAN Women MSMEs

Collaborative project between ASEAN and ROK to empower women entrepreneurs through ICT training and online business tools. Led by Dato' Prof Nik Maheran of UMK with DESB as implementing Institution and partnership with UMK, UiTM, and many others


Image

ENCOURAGING WOMEN’S ENROLMENT IN UNDERREPRESENTED FIELDS


Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) actively encourages applications by women in subjects where they are underrepresented. For example, in UMK’s distance learning programmes designed for working adults, the number of female students remains lower compared to male students. To address this, UMK has implemented promotional campaigns and outreach initiatives specifically aimed at increasing female participation, ensuring that women are given equal opportunities to enrol and succeed in courses where they are traditionally underrepresented.

Image
Image

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY FOR WOMEN

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) has a clear policy of non-discrimination against women, as stated in the Guideline on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), page 3 (2.5). The University is committed to eliminating any unfair gender-biased treatment and ensuring equal opportunities for women and men — including staff and students — to fully participate and hold leadership positions at all levels of decision-making.

In addition, UMK also adopts the National Women’s Policy and the Women’s Development Action Plan issued by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. These policies reinforce UMK’s dedication to promoting gender equality, inclusiveness, and empowerment of women across all university operations, governance structures, and academic and support programmes.
Image

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY FOR TRANSGENDER PEOPLE

Our university does not have a formal written policy on non-discrimination for transgender individuals. However, we are committed to upholding the principles of equality and respect for all members of our community, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or individual freedom in expressing themselves.

MATERNITY POLICY SUPPORTING WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) provides maternity leave in accordance with the Human Resource Service Circular (Leave Facilities). UMK staff who wish to apply for this leave are required to complete the official maternity or paternity leave application form provided by the university, following the prescribed procedures.

Pekeliling Perkhidmatan Sumber Manusia

Maternity: Page 101 (80)

Paternity: Page 168 (147)

 

Human Resource Service Circular – Leave Entitlements

Image

Application for Maternity Leave Benefits for Public Service Officers

Image

Maternity Certification and Leave Application for Female Officers

Image

UMK also implements the Government’s policy under Service Circular No. 11 of 2017, permitting female staff who are five (5) months pregnant or more to leave work one hour earlier than normal working hours to promote a safe and supportive working environment during pregnancy. These provisions reflect UMK’s commitment to staff well-being, family support, and a gender-inclusive workplace.


Image

Service Circular No. 11 of 2017

Image

Proposal to Adopt the Service Circular and Letter of Service Circular (for Early Leave Approval for Pregnant Women)

ACCESSIBLE CHILDCARE FACILITIES FOR STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY


UMK provides comprehensive childcare facilities to support the university community, including students, staff, and faculty members. To assist recent mothers in continuing their studies without disruption, the university offers accessible childcare services that allow student parents to manage academic commitments with confidence and peace of mind. These facilities also cater to staff and academic personnel, helping them balance professional responsibilities with family needs.

At UMK Bachok Campus, childcare services are offered through TASKA KEMAS Al-Ridhwan, while TASKA Seri Mawar serves the UMK Jeli Campus community. Both centres are staffed with qualified caregivers, operate in a secure environment, and provide early childhood education programmes in line with national standards. The presence of these facilities reflects UMK’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and family-friendly campus environment, supporting women’s participation in higher education and academic careers, and promoting overall campus well-being.
Image
Image

WOMEN’S MENTORING SCHEMES WITH STUDENT PARTICIPATION

a) UMK Crowned Champion at Grand TVET Championship Debate 2024

The Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) debate team emerged as the Grand TVET Championship Debate 2024 winner held at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL). Competing in the British Parliamentary format, UMK—represented by Nik Nur Alissa Safira Mohd Laha (FBKT) and Nazurah Bacho (FIAT)—won the final round and also received the Best Debater Award. The team brought home RM1,000, a Challenge Trophy, and a Companion Trophy.

b) Mahasiswa Sihat, Minda Ligat

UMK supports women’s mentoring and empowerment through programmes that encourage guidance, confidence, and wellbeing. In conjunction with World Mental Health Day and National Counselling Month 2024, the university organised the “Mahasiswa Sihat, Minda Ligat” webinar, with strong participation from female students, ensuring at least 10% involvement in mentoring and support initiatives.

c) The Monsoon Beach Run 2024

The Monsoon Beach Run 2024, held on 28 December at Pantai Kemayang and Pantai Senok, attracted 550 local and international participants. Organized by FHPK with Citra Wellness Organization, the event promoted healthy lifestyles, resilience, and environmental awareness, featuring 5km and 10km races and strong collaboration with industry and local authorities.

d) Post-Flood Workplace Safety and Health Sharing Session

UMK held a Post-Flood Workplace Safety and Health Sharing Session on 23 December 2024, led by CMeOSH engineer Ahmad Farhan Shauki. The session emphasised structural and electrical inspections, hygiene measures, mental health support, and medical checks for workers returning after floods. Forty staff attended this initiative organised by the University Quality Management Centre.

TRACKING WOMEN’S GRADUATION RATES AND GENDER GAP CLOSURE SCHEMES

Yes. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls, the University actively tracks and analyses graduation trends by gender. Current data shows female graduates at 72.2% compared to 27.3% male graduates. This monitoring informs strategic initiatives to promote gender balance and equal opportunities, including leadership development, mentorship, and targeted engagement programmes for underrepresented groups. These efforts underscore the University’s strong commitment to advancing gender equality, inclusivity, and empowerment within higher education.

POLICY PROTECTING WHISTLEBLOWERS FROM DISCRIMINATION

The University upholds a strong commitment to integrity, transparency, and equal opportunity through the implementation of its “Polisi Pemberi Maklumat” (Whistleblower Policy). This policy ensures that any individual reporting discrimination, misconduct, or unethical behaviour is protected from any form of educational or employment disadvantage. It provides a safe and confidential mechanism for reporting while safeguarding the rights and welfare of all members of the University community. This initiative reinforces the University’s dedication to fostering a fair, inclusive, and accountable institutional environment, in line with principles of good governance and SDG 5
Image

PATERNITY POLICY SUPPORTING WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION THROUGH SHARED CHILDCARE

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) provides paternity leave in accordance with the Human Resource Service Circular (Leave Facilities). UMK staff who wish to apply for this leave are required to complete the official maternity or paternity leave application form provided by the university, following the prescribed procedures.

Paternity: Page 168 (147)

Human Resource Service Circular (Leave Entitlements)

Image

Application for Maternity Leave Benefits for Public Service Officers

Image

Maternity Certification and Leave Application for Female Officers

Image