Chapter 9: SDG 5 Unveiled: Visual and Exploratory Analysis of Gender Equality Performance in Selected MENA Universities

In the domain of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), Gender Equality, Universities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region emerge as promotors for transformative change. Universities in the MENA region play pivotal roles in dismantling societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality. This chapter explores the multifaceted ways in which these academic institutions are advancing gender equality, both within the campus and beyond. The research study investigates the profound contributions of the universities to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) as assessed by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, especially the research study delves into gender equality. Business Intelligence and Visualization Software Tableau was used to analyze and comprehend the data of selected 16 MENA countries, namely Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Lebanon, Tunisia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Bahrain, Yemen, Oman, and Algeria. The aim is to explore how gender equality performance is ongoing in the Universities of these countries and where they stand in the global Universities standpoints in attaining SDGs, especially the SDG 5. By exploring the countries and Universities performance in the MENA region, this chapter aims to contribute valuable insights to the global conversation on achieving SDGs. The findings include that the top performers, including Tunisia and the UAE, demonstrate robust institutional policies while conflict-affected countries, like Iraq and Yemen, face significant systematic challenges. From strengthening the gender inclusive curriculum, promoting women’s leadership and participation, expanding research on gender issues and many more are some of the valuable recommendations from this chapter.