5.3.3 Women’s access schemes

Based on the "Admission Statistics by Gender (2021-2025)" data, the institution consistently admits a significant majority of female students, with their proportion ranging from 62.7% to 66.8% and their absolute numbers steadily increasing from 2,102 in 2021 to 2,967 in 2025. This strong representation suggests that, at an aggregate level, existing access measures are highly effective for women, potentially rendering broad, institution-wide "women-specific access schemes" focused solely on increasing their overall numbers less critical, compared to other institutions with lower female participation rates.

However, a closer look still reveals opportunities for targeted "women's access schemes" to ensure not just volume, but also equity, diversity, and sustained success within specific contexts:

1. Program-Specific Access Schemes:

• Identify Underrepresented Disciplines: The high overall female admission rate might mask underrepresentation in specific fields traditionally dominated by men (e.g., certain STEM programs, engineering, some business or technical fields). Women's access schemes could be designed to specifically encourage applications from female students in these areas.

• Examples:

• Targeted Outreach Campaigns: High school visits, workshops, or mentorship programs specifically for female students interested in STEM or other male-dominated fields.

• Dedicated Scholarships/Grants: Financial aid incentives exclusively for women enrolling in identified underrepresented programs.

• "Taster" Programs: Short courses or summer camps for young women to introduce them to these fields and build confidence.

2. Access Schemes for Diverse Female Cohorts:

• Beyond General Numbers: Even within the female population, there can be disparities. Access schemes could be tailored to support women from specific disadvantaged backgrounds, such as:

• First-Generation Women: Providing additional support for application processes, financial aid, and academic preparation.

• Women from Rural or Remote Areas: Offering information sessions, remote application assistance, or transitional programs.

• Women Re-entering Education: Schemes for mature female students returning to study after a break, offering flexible learning options, childcare support, or career counseling.

• Intersectionality: Considering the intersection of gender with other factors like socio-economic status, ethnicity, or disability to create more inclusive access pathways.

3. Holistic Support as an Access Scheme:

• Removing Indirect Barriers: While direct numerical access seems high, schemes that ensure a supportive environment can indirectly boost access and retention.

• Examples:

• Mentorship Programs: Pairing new female students with senior female students or faculty members.

• Leadership Development for Women: Programs designed to foster leadership skills and confidence among female students.

• Work-Life Integration Support: Providing resources for those balancing studies with family responsibilities.

• Psychological and Academic Support Services: Ensuring readily available and culturally sensitive support for female students.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Any implemented access schemes for women should include robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks. This involves tracking application rates, admission rates, retention, and graduation rates within targeted schemes to assess their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

In summary, while the overall admission statistics for women are highly positive, the focus for "women's access schemes" (5.3.3) would be best directed towards addressing specific gaps in representation across various programs and supporting diverse cohorts of female students, rather than solely aiming to increase the general number of admitted women, which is already robust. This holistic approach ensures equitable opportunities and fosters a truly inclusive learning environment.

Source: https://edservices.op.swu.ac.th/EdData