The challenges of gender equality : The response of selected African universities

Abstract

The major purpose of the paper was to examine the response of African universities to the challenges of gender equity in selected African Universities. The methodology used in preparing the paper for the panel discussion was a review of existing research literature and enrolment data with the view of exploring the extent to which African universities have responded to the challenges of gender equity. The findings suggested that despite the efforts aimed bringing about gender equity in the provision of university education in selected African countries, women were still under -represented in some university programmes especially in mathematics, science and engineering. As a way forward special efforts should address the problems of sexual harassment in and outside the classroom, low societal expectations for women as well as lack of female role models.