PERCEPTIONS OF CHATGPT’S ROLE IN PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY IN ACADEMIC PUBLISHING: A CASE STUDY IN COLLEGE OF HIMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES AT HAMAD BIN KHALIFA UNIVERISTY

Abstract

In the rapidly advancing technological landscape, gender equality remains a critical issue, particularly in regions such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This study examines the role of artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, in addressing socio-cultural challenges to gender equality in education at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). Despite legislative reforms promoting gender equity, research indicates that women continue encountering structural and systemic challenges in academic settings, which can impede their professional and educational advancement (Golkowska, 2014). While some argue that technology may reinforce existing inequalities, this thesis contends that AI can foster gender equity by providing personalized academic support and facilitating inclusive dialogue. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates qualitative interviews with students at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) at HBKU alongside a content analysis of AI-generated responses. The research evaluates the extent to which ChatGPT can serve as a supportive tool for academic mentorship, knowledge accessibility, and engagement in discussions on gender equality. Preliminary findings suggest that while ChatGPT can offer valuable educational support and mitigate some socio-cultural barriers, its effectiveness is limited by biases inherent in AI training data and the need for cultural contextualization. This research contributes to the broader discourse on gender equity and the role of AI in higher education by proposing strategies for optimizing ChatGPT’s use in academic settings. The findings highlight both the potential and the limitations of AI-driven tools in fostering inclusivity, advocating for a more nuanced approach to AI integration in university environments.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science