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  • Item type:Publication,
    Academic libraries’ contribution to gender equality in a patriarchal, femicidal society Open PDF 
    (SAGE Publications, 2022-10-27)
    Bangani, Siviwe
    Women by virtue of their being are confronted with many challenges. This is particularly the case in South Africa where gender-based violence, women abuse and femicide are pervasive. This study sought to highlight the contribution of academic libraries in South Africa to SDG 5 on gender equality through Community Engagement (CE) initiatives. The study followed a multi-methods qualitative approach and online interviews with 20 heads of public university libraries, and focus group discussions with 33 Librarians in eight focus groups were its data collection methods. Findings showed that academic libraries in the country contribute to SDG 5 through visits and donations to safe houses and prisons, Take a Girl Child to Work initiative, providing internship opportunities to females, collection and donation of sanitary towels in schools, and panel discussions, visits and displays that tackle women’s issues. These results affirm the contribution of academic libraries to the SDGs through CE. CE can be adopted in academic libraries to provide direct contribution to the SDGs that are not always associated with their traditional teaching, learning and research support role.
  • Item type:Publication,
    Changing the narrative: Resilience of women in STEM in sub-Saharan Africa and institutional innovations to advance equity Open PDF 
    (Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2026-01-21)
    Fisher, Monica
    ;
    Nyabaro, Violet
    ;
    Mendum, Ruth
    ;
    Ganguly, Sujata
    ;
    Osiru, Moses
    Gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) remain pronounced in many African countries, particularly at the postgraduate level. This study explores the experiences of African women in STEM postgraduate education by integrating data from an online survey of 163 female PhD alumni from 40 African universities in 17 countries and seven focus group discussions (FGDs) with 39 current postgraduate students across three countries. Through a mixed-methods approach, we examine both the challenges women face and the factors that enable their persistence and success. Over 60% of respondents reported financial stress during their PhD, and more than half felt unprepared at the time of program entry. Yet 95% expressed confidence in their ability to succeed, reflecting strong self-efficacy despite structural barriers. In the FGDs, women highlighted the burden of caregiving responsibilities, lack of role models, and cultural norms that pressure them to prioritize family over academic careers. Contrary to common assumptions, most FGD participants preferred male supervisors, citing competitiveness or lack of support from some senior women. Despite these obstacles, participants demonstrated high levels of resilience, often driven by a passion for science and strong family support. Our findings highlight the need for family-friendly policies, structured and tailored mentoring, and flexible, gender-responsive institutional reforms to ensure more inclusive and equitable STEM postgraduate environments in Africa.
  • Item type:Publication,
    Declining female representation with advancing academic rank in veterinary institutions from non-Western countries Open PDF 
    (Elsevier BV, 2026-02)
    Norton, Ursula
    ;
    Dunlop, Rebecca
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    Allavena, Rachel
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    Talloni, María José Navarrete
    ;
    Palmieri, Chiara
    Gender equity in academic veterinary science remains underexplored outside of Western countries. This study aimed to evaluate gender representation across academic ranks within veterinary institutions in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. Data on academic staff were collected from 96 veterinary schools across 39 countries between September 2023 and April 2024. Gender was inferred through institutional websites, online academic platforms, and machine-learning tools, and academic ranks were standardised into four categories: Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor. Generalised linear models were used to assess the relationship between gender and academic rank in each region. Across all regions, male academics were more represented at higher academic ranks. Female representation declined significantly with increasing rank in all regions (p < 0.0001). The percentage of female academics ranged widely, from 7 % (Nepal) to 68 % (Myanmar and Peru). Asia had the lowest overall female representation (29 %), followed by the Middle East (40 %), Latin America (43 %), and Sub-Saharan Africa (44 %). The decline in female representation across ranks was steepest in Asia and the Middle East, while Sub-Saharan Africa exhibited a slower decline and was the only region where female representation increased at the Professor level compared to Associate Professor. Despite regional variation, veterinary academia in non-Western countries remains male-dominated, particularly at senior levels. However, the observed patterns in Africa and Latin America may reflect emerging progress in gender equity. Addressing structural and cultural barriers to academic advancement is essential to support the career progression of women in veterinary science globally.
  • Item type:Publication,
    Gender Variations and Entrepreneurial Intentions: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Finalist Undergraduate Students at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda Open PDF 
    (F1000 Research Ltd, 2025-11-13)
    Rukundo, Aloysius
    ;
    Tumwebembire, Naster
    ;
    Aryatwijuka, Wilbroad
    ;
    Tugiramasiko, Miriam
    ;
    Twinamasiko, Specioza
    <ns3:p>Background Recently, the dynamics of gender and entrepreneurship have received more attention; however, the subtleties of how gender affects entrepreneurial intentions remain a challenge, despite empowerment through skills and formal training. This study seeks to establish gender differences in entrepreneurial intentions in educational settings as well as the broader context of gender equity in achieving financial independence among finalist undergraduate students. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of gender-related factors that influence entrepreneurial intentions among undergraduate students. Methodology This was a cross-sectional and quantitative study. The study site was the town campus of Mbarara University of Science and Technology. The study population consisted of finalist businesses and students. The data were managed and analyzed using STATA version 17. T-tests of independent samples and means were used for data analysis. Results Of the 404 respondents, the majority were males (56.2%). Entrepreneurial Intentions were higher among females with a history of business ownership (M = 22.7, SD = 5.1) than among those without a history of business ownership (M = 19.5, SD = 6.9), at t = 2.25, p &lt;0.05. Further, entrepreneurial intentions were lower among male students whose male caretakers or parents had business as an occupation (M = 19.5, SD = 6.9) than their counterparts whose male parents were not in business (M = 21.5, SD = 5.6) at t = 2.31, p &lt;0.05. No other gender differences were found across other socio-demographic variables (p &lt;0.05). Conclusion Entrepreneurial Intentions differed among females with a history of business ownership. We argue that the complex interplay of gender demographic gaps in shaping undergraduate students’ entrepreneurial aspirations cannot be significantly improved based on family background without conclusive equal opportunity training approaches. Designing a hands-on and role-modeling entrepreneurship curriculum can shape gender-mainstream intentions.</ns3:p>
  • Item type:Publication,
    Gender divergence in academics’ representation and research productivity: a Nigerian case study Open PDF 
    (2017)
    Opesade, A.O.
    ;
    Famurewa, K.F.
    ;
    Igwe, E.G.
    Gender equity is increasingly seen as an indicator of development and global acceptance in networks of higher education. Despite this, gender divergence in research productivity of academics coupled with under-representation of women in science has been reported to beset female’s scholarly activities. Previous studies provide differing results, hence a need for each academic institution to know its status for the purpose of formulating appropriate policy towards achieving gender equity without trading off productivity. Using a scientometric method, the present study investigates the representation and research productivity of male and female lecturers in the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan. The study shows that while female lecturers are significantly less represented in the faculty and publish in journals having lower impact factors, their research productivity in terms of number of publications and citation impact are significantly not different from those of their male counterparts. © 2017 Association for Tertiary Education Management and the LH Martin Institute for Tertiary Education Leadership and Management.
  • Item type:Publication,
    Meeting the challenge of gender inequality through gender transformative research: lessons from research in Africa, Asia, and Latin America Open PDF 
    (Routledge, 2023)
    Njuki, J.
    ;
    Melesse, M.
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    Sinha, C.
    ;
    Seward, R.
    ;
    Renaud, M.
    While the global development agenda has prioritized gender equality, many challenges remain, and the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated inequalities. Gender transformative approaches to social change have the potential to address the underlying causes of inequality. This paper draws insights from studies funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre to understand how integrating gender transformative approaches to research can support social change. The findings suggest that gender transformative research is most successful in supporting change when it analyzes and addresses the multiple causes of inequality, takes an intersectional and structural approach, embeds the research in local contexts, and engages power holders and perpetrators of inequality. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
  • Item type:Publication,
    A PowerPack of SuperScientists: An innovative concept by African scientists to address gender bias and inequity in science Open PDF 
    (F1000 Research Ltd, 2023)
    Mthembu, M.
    ;
    Baiyegunhi, O.
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    Mdleleni, Y.
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    Ndlovu, L.
    ;
    Keal, H.
    Underrepresentation of women in scientific leadership is a global problem. To understand and counter narratives that limit gender equity in African science, we conducted a public engagement campaign. Scientists representing six sub-Saharan African countries and multiple career stages used superhero imagery to create a diverse and unified team advocating for gender equity in science. In contrast to many traditional scientific environments and global campaigns, this “PowerPack of SuperScientists” was led by early-career Black female scientists whose perspectives are often under-represented in discussions about gender equity in science. The superhero imagery served as a powerful and fun antidote to imposter syndrome and helped to subvert traditional power structures based on age, race and sex. In an interactive social media campaign, the PowerPack developed insights into three themes: a) cultural stereotypes that limit women’s scientific careers, b) the perception of a “conflict” between family and career responsibilities for women scientists, and c) solutions that can be adopted by key stakeholders to promote gender equity in African science. The PowerPack proposed solutions that could be undertaken by women working individually or collectively and interventions that require allyship from men, commitment from scientific institutions, and wider societal change. Further work is required to fully engage African scientists from even more diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds and institutions in these solutions and to enhance commitment by different stakeholders to achieving gender equity in science. Our experience suggests that creative tools should be used to subvert power dynamics and bring fresh perspectives and urgency to this topic. Copyright: © 2023 Mthembu M et al.
  • Item type:Publication,
    Quantitative datasets reveal marked gender disparities in Earth Sciences faculty rank in Africa Open PDF 
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2023)
    Mosuro, G.O.
    ;
    Omosanya, K.O.
    ;
    Lawal, M.A.
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    Oussou, A.
    ;
    Oshomoji, A.O.
    As in most disciplines of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), gender disparity is prevalent in the ranking of Earth Sciences faculties at senior and advanced levels. (i.e., Associate and Full Professors). In this study, a robust database was mined, created, and analyzed to assess the faculty compositions of 142 Earth Science departments in 39 countries across Africa. The data were collected from verifiable online resources focusing on ranks and gender ratios within each department. The studied earth science departments cut across universities in northern, southern, central, eastern, and western Africa. Our data revealed that female faculty members are predominantly underrepresented in most of the departments documented and are markedly uncommon in senior positions such as Professors, associate Professors, and senior researchers compared to their male counterparts. On the contrary, female faculty members are predominant in the lower cadres, such as lecturers, teaching, and graduate assistants. The observed male to female ratio is 4:1. At the base of this gender gap is the lower enrolment of female students in Earth Science courses from undergraudate to graduate studies. To achieve gender equality in Earth Science faculty composition in Africa, we recommend increasing female students' enrollment, mentoring, awareness, timely promotion of accomplished female researchers, and formulation of enabling government policies. More work-related policies that guarantee work-life balance for female earth science academic professionals should be formulated to attract and retain more women into Earth Sciences careers. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
  • Item type:Publication,
    A Capabilities-based Gender Equality Policy for Higher Education: Conceptual and Methodological Considerations Open PDF 
    (Routhledge, 2016)
    Loots, S.
    ;
    Walker, M.
    Abstract: The complex transformative intent of policy goals is often marginalized in favour of tangible, measurable outcomes. Such a pattern is evident in the tracking of global social justice goals, such as gender equality, where sole reliance on numerical parity data to track progress has led to the simplification of the concept for the sake of measurement. This intensifies the need to focus both on conceptual and methodological considerations in policy development and evaluation to enhance human development and promote the transformation of inequalities towards social justice. Through reporting on a mixed-methods process to inform and develop a capabilities-based gender equality policy at a South African university, the paper asks what gender equality should look like conceptually, and identifies empirically valued functionings and capabilities which could act as transformative policy evaluation indicators. The paper reports on diverse student data from 57 qualitative interviews and 843 survey respondents, which indicate differences between what social groups value and where interventions are needed. The paper suggests that the capabilities approach could be an important evidence-based policy driver in higher education, with the possibility to combine both a rich conceptual approach and methodological considerations in operationalization so that social justice goals and outcomes result. © 2015 Human Development and Capability Association.
  • Item type:Publication,
    ‘Being in science and at the same time being a woman is difficult’: Academic women's experiences of gender inequalities in STEM academia in Ethiopia Open PDF 
    (2023)
    Sidelil, L.T.
    ;
    Spark, C.
    ;
    Cuthbert, D.
    This article examines the problem of gender inequalities in two science and technology universities in Ethiopia drawing on the lived experiences of academic (teaching and research faculty) women. We analysed the data from in-depth interviews with STEM academic women through reference to Acker's theory of gendered organisation. Our findings demonstrate that women faculty are not only significantly underrepresented but also face gendered barriers that hinder their equitable participation and career progression. Based on these findings, we argue that the gendered institutional structures, practices, processes and cultures of the two universities underpin the perpetuation of both quantitative and qualitative gender inequalities in academe of the two universities. We further argue that it is imperative to acknowledge these institutional impediments and tackle them to redress the persistent gender inequalities in these contexts. The findings of this paper contribute to the existing research by bringing perspectives and experiences of STEM academic women from the Global South context. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd