*Corresponding Author’ Email: dtitili@unkorce.edu.al Proceedings of the International Conference on Research in Education, Teaching and Learning Vol. 1, Issue. 1, 2024, pp. 13-21 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33422/icetl.v1i1.360 Copyright © 2024 Author(s) ISSN: 3030-0770 online The Perceptions of Students Regarding Gender Equality Policies in Universities Denisa Titili 1* , Irena Nikaj 2 1 Department of Social Sciences, University “Fan S. Noli” Korça, Albania 2 Department of Education, University “Fan S. Noli” Korça, Albania Abstract The study is about students' perceptions of the University of Korca regarding the university's commitment to gender equality. Albanian universities have made significant efforts in gender mainstreaming. As part of a higher education institution, we must offer new generations a different path, free from prejudice and stereotypes, embracing people’s freedom and appreciating their individuality and originality. There is a significant commitment from the University of Korca (UNIKO) toward gender equality policies. The paper aims to point out the perceptions of students on gender equality policies followed by UNIKO and the commitment of the university to build an honest and communicative learning and work environment where people are treated equally and there is no discrimination, as well as a community which conveys trust, a sense of belonging and shared goals. A quantitative approach was used for this study. A questionnaire with students was conducted to measure the students’ perception of gender equality policies in the university. There were 250 participants in the survey, 66% were girls and 34% were boys. The students were recruited in the four faculties of UNIKO. The study was carried out in the academic year 2023-2024. Special care was taken to meet the standardisation criteria of the data collection instrument. The study focused on students' knowledge of gender mainstreaming; their participation in trainings and activities focused on gender issues; equal representation in the decision-making units and awareness of gender equality and unconscious gender biases. The study findings showed a lack of knowledge of students about UNIKO’s gender equality plan, low participation of students in gender-focused activities and the presence of gender bias and gender discrimination among students. Although the study showed a high interest of students in the gender policies of the institution, a more visible involvement of students in informative activities and greater awareness to address gender issues is suggested. Keywords: capacity building; gender mainstreaming; decision- making bodies; gender- based violence; training