Villa College is dedicated to tracking and promoting gender balance in enrollment and graduation rates, specifically by supporting the progression of female students through various academic programs. Each year, during the graduation period, the Registration Department produces a comprehensive graduation report that highlights gender-based metrics, consistently capturing and analyzing these figures to identify trends and address disparities.
To empower female students and foster success, Villa College has implemented robust tracking, support schemes, and mentoring initiatives. Key indicators, including application, enrollment, retention, and graduation rates for women, are monitored regularly across all programs. Each semester, in Week 7, the college's census week, the Registration Department presents updated insights, allowing Villa College to identify patterns and respond promptly.
For a detailed analysis of women’s graduation rates, the Registration Department generates and validates the list of graduates with each academic department. This detailed graduation report is reviewed by several levels of governance within Villa College: the Deans Committee, the Admissions and Awards Committee, the Senate Committee, and ultimately the Council, the college’s highest governing body. At each committee stage, the data on women’s graduation rates undergoes thorough analysis, and strategic action plans are developed to bridge any identified gaps, ensuring equitable access and outcomes across all programs.
In 2023, Villa College proudly celebrated the graduation of over 1,000 students (1087 level 7 and above) at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with women comprising 72% (781) of this cohort. Female graduation rates are particularly high in fields like Health and Medicine, where 94% of graduates are women. Conversely, in STEM fields, the female graduation rate stands at a lower 13%, highlighting an area of underrepresentation. In disciplines such as Business, Law, and Teaching, the rate of female graduates averages between 50% and 60%. The trend remained consistent in 2024, with female students comprising 71% of the graduating class.
Villa College is proactive in addressing these gender imbalances by continuously monitoring graduation rates across all programs and implementing initiatives to close any gaps. Some of these initiatives include:
Mentorship Programs: Female students in underrepresented fields like STEM receive mentorship from industry professionals and alumnae to build confidence and guidance.
Scholarships and Financial Support: Targeted scholarships are provided to encourage more women to pursue and complete degrees in STEM.
Networking and Industry Exposure: Regularly organized workshops and networking events expose female students to career opportunities in diverse sectors, particularly those where women are traditionally underrepresented.
Awareness and Outreach Campaigns: Villa College actively promotes the benefits of diverse career paths through campaigns that reach potential female students across the Maldives.
By consistently monitoring and addressing these disparities, Villa College reinforces its commitment to creating equitable educational opportunities for all students. This approach aligns with our dedication to fostering an inclusive academic environment where both women and men have equal access to graduation success across all fields.
Related Link: Promoting Gender Equity in Underrepresented Fields