Policies and Practices of Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Higher Educational Institutions: The Case of Dilla University, Ethiopia

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to find out whether Dilla University (DU) has mainstreamed gender into its systems to contribute towards the attainment of gender equality and women empowerment. It was, therefore, the objective of the research to assess and analyze the policies, programmes, and practices of the University in order to examine the extent to which gender issues are integrated as part and parcel of the overall system. It was also important to evaluate the gender-related perceptions and attitudes of the members of the academic community to determine the orientation of key players in the University with regards to gender perspectives and the implementation of policies and programs. The research is also aimed at identifying areas of achievements in the University towards gender equality. At the same time, this research also aspired to identify gaps in mainstreaming gender by analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data acquired through different means. To this end, a significant number of policy and legislative documents were reviewed. High level officials of the University and representatives of special interest groups were interviewed, using semi-structured questions. Attitude survey was also conducted on 636 randomly selected academic staff and students who responded to pre-designed questionnaires. For the sake of validity and reliability, the data analysis was triangulated using qualitative and quantitative analytical tools. The findings show that, in spite of some commendable but limited efforts, the University lacks the level of commitment, understanding, capacity and operational as well as institutional framework which is necessary for proper gender mainstreaming. In addition, gender inequality was not seen as a major factor underpinning the policies and strategies of the University. There is the huge gender disparity across most of the human resource dimensions, particularly among students and academic staff. In addition, the research also revealed the qualitative inequality aspects of gender. The data acquired from the research participants implies that the attitude and perceptions of the University community members are a replica of the Ethiopian society at large though progress are being made. Based on these findings, the research has concluded that DU has not yet sufficiently mainstreamed gender to contribute towards gender equality and the empowerment of women. To create gender-equitable academic environment, the University management should lead by example by showing commitment to gender mainstreaming, treat gender equality as a cross-cutting as well as a specific goal, build on the modest foundation and strengthen Gender Office’s infrastructure in terms of resource and conduct continuous awareness creation sessions in collaboration with the Gender Office. Moreover, the Gender Office of the University should utilize an effective advocacy approach and expand strategic partnerships with the stakeholders.

Keywords: Gender, gender equality, women empowerment, gender mainstreaming

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-34-05

Publication date: December 31^st 2019