Policy Commitment
The Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), in line with its ASPIRE Agenda, is committed to promoting gender equality, equity, dignity, inclusion, fairness, mutual respect and equal opportunity.
As an institution dedicated to excellence in medical education, healthcare, research, innovation and community service, BMU recognises gender equality as essential to building an inclusive and high-performing University community free from discrimination, intimidation, exploitation and harassment.
The Policy provides a framework for translating this commitment into measurable action across all University campuses and affiliated institutions.
Equality, Equity and Mainstreaming
BMU promotes equitable access to education, healthcare, employment and professional opportunities, while ensuring fairness in recruitment, promotion, training, career advancement and leadership.
Gender considerations shall be mainstreamed into governance, teaching and learning, research, healthcare delivery, human-resource management, planning, budgeting, resource allocation and community engagement.
Education
Equitable access to education and learning opportunities.
Employment
Fairness in recruitment, promotion and career advancement.
Leadership
Equal opportunity for participation and advancement.
Planning
Gender considerations in planning, budgeting and resource allocation.
Appointments and advancement shall be based on merit, competence and institutional requirements.
Scope of the Policy
The Policy applies to all members of the University community, including:
Guiding Principles
Implementation of the Policy is guided by the following principles:
BMU maintains zero tolerance for sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
Gender-Responsive Healthcare
As a medical university, BMU promotes gender-responsive healthcare and equitable access to health services, while incorporating gender perspectives into relevant public health initiatives, education, training and professional development.
Equitable Access to Health Services
Gender considerations are incorporated into relevant public health initiatives, education, training and professional development.
Research and Gender-Responsive Data
The University shall promote research on gender-related health disparities and use relevant sex-disaggregated data to strengthen evidence-based planning and decision-making.
Evidence-Based Decision Making
Relevant sex-disaggregated data will support planning and decision-making across the University.
Implementation & Accountability
Effective implementation is supported by clear institutional responsibilities.
Governing Council
Provides institutional oversight.
Vice-Chancellor
Provides leadership for implementation.
Gender Mainstreaming Committee
Coordinates implementation of the Policy.
University Officers, Departments & Units
Implement relevant aspects of the Policy.
Monitoring and Reporting
The University monitors progress through measurable indicators, including gender representation, participation in training and leadership, reported cases of discrimination and harassment, and implementation of gender-responsive programmes and budgets.
Annual Gender Mainstreaming Report
An Annual Gender Mainstreaming Report is submitted to the Governing Council.
The Policy shall be reviewed periodically.
Our Collective Commitment
BMU calls upon all members of its community and stakeholders to promote a culture where respect is reciprocal, opportunity is equitable, excellence is merit-driven, and discrimination has no place.
Professor Dimie Ogoina
Vice Chancellor
Bayelsa Medical University