The question of gender equality has been raised throughout the last decade, and a recent article has brought the issue into sharp focus. Articles about gender-based affirmative action, early childhood education, and expanded support networks for adolescent boys raise valid concerns, but don’t mention the gendered issues that persist in academic environments. What is the solution? What can higher education do? How can we help our students succeed in school and in male-dominated fields?
Women make up the majority of undergraduates, but are underrepresented in the ranks of professors and senior lecturers. Despite this, women continue to study at higher education institutions and graduate at a higher rate than men. A new report, Women in Higher Education: What’s the Status of Women in the Academic Field? IESALC, the UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America, aims to address these challenges and contribute to the celebrations of International Women’s Day in 2021.
The study is a critical study of the experiences of women in higher education. It identifies the barriers and challenges that women face in their work in a contemporary UK context. The study draws on case study institutions, documentary analysis of course materials, and semi-structured interviews with students to uncover the realities of gender work. It also highlights the importance of collaboration among feminists and the need to share knowledge and expertise. It also makes the case for more gender-inclusive policies and practices in higher education.