GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING GENDER EQUALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: A CASE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ICELAND

Main Article Content

Saksit Karlers
Pakornkiat Asawaraksophon

Abstract

This research article has two objectives: (1) to study the approaches to gender equality development at the University of Iceland, and (2) to provide policy recommendations for gender equality development to Thai higher education institutions. The research methodology uses a qualitative research approach in the form of documentary research in the style of policy research, based on the constructivist theory, focusing on studying documents that are primary sources, which include policy documents, action plans, regulations, and rules related to the development of gender equality at the University of Iceland.


The research findings indicate that the approach to gender equality development at the University of Iceland is systematic, encompassing management, teaching, research, and academic services, aligned with the constitution and national equality laws, and has a strong oversight structure. Policy recommendations for Thai higher education institutions, therefore, aim to apply these practices to fit the Thai context, emphasizing the creation of an internal governance system, the participation of all parties, gender-inclusive design, and measurable indicators for long-term sustainability.  

Article Details

Section
Research Articles

References

ศักดิ์สิทธิ์ ฆารเลิศ. (2566). ทฤษฎีเสรีภาพทางการเมือง: บทวิเคราะห์ความคิดของไอไซอาห์ เบอร์ลิน. ขอนแก่น: โรงพิมพ์มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น.

ศักดิ์สิทธิ์ ฆารเลิศ และ ปกรณ์เกียรติ อัศวรักษ์โสภณ.(2568). แนวคิดว่าด้วยเสรีภาพเชิงลบและเชิงบวกในพระราชบัญญัติความเท่าเทียมระหว่างเพศ พ.ศ. 2558. วารสารรัฐศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยมหามกุฏราชวิทยาลัย, 5(2), 16-34

Pilcher, Jane. (2004). Fifty key concepts in gender studies. London: SAGE Publications.

Qfelag. (n.d.). Q - Association of Queer Students / Q - Queer Student Association [Facebook page]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/Qfelag

The Feminist Association. (n.d.). Feminist Association of the University of Iceland [Facebook page]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/feministafelaghi

World Economic Forum. (2025). Global gender gap report 2025 [PDF]. https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GGGR_2025.pdf

University Guru. (2025, March 12). Universities in Iceland – Rankings & reviews. https://www.universityguru.com/universities--iceland?utm_source=chatgpt.com

University of Iceland. (2024). Equality action plan 2024–2026 [PDF]. https://english.hi.is/sites/default/files/2024-12/equality-action-plan_2024-2026.pdf

University of Iceland. (n.d.). University of Iceland – Official English website. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://english.hi.is/

Ministry of the Interior, Iceland. (2013). Constitution of the Republic of Iceland: No. 33, June 17, 1944 (as amended 2013) [PDF].

https://cjad.nottingham.ac.uk/documents/ implementations/pdf/Iceland-Constitution_of_the_Republic_of_Iceland_amend_ 2013_EN.pdf

Silva, Alexandre Amaral da. (2019). Engaging with equality: Faculty interpretations of the University of Iceland’s equality checklist and action plan (Master’s thesis). University of Iceland.

Student Council of the University of Iceland. (2025). Oktoberfest UI 2025 [Website]. https://student.is/