The African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE) is pleased to announce the completion of a significant research project, funded by the British Council, focusing on gender disparities in accessing employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for university students in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This study, conducted in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, provides a contextualized analysis of the challenges faced by students, particularly women, in pursuing entrepreneurship and enhancing their employability after graduation.
Key Findings
The research highlights persistent challenges faced by female students in Sub-Saharan African universities, including:
- Gender-based stereotypes and socio-cultural norms
- Sexual harassment and intimidation
- Barriers to entrepreneurship, such as limited access to funding and mentorship
- Disconnect between university training and the needs of the labor market
- Weak implementation of gender policies at national and institutional levels
Despite progress in areas like increased female enrollment and policy development, these challenges continue to hinder women’s progress in higher education and beyond.
Recommendations
The study offers several actionable recommendations to address these issues:
- Strengthening entrepreneurship training with a focus on the specific needs of female students
- Establishing business incubation centers and mentorship programs to support female entrepreneurs
- Improving the implementation and enforcement of gender-sensitive policies
- Building stronger university-industry links to enhance employability opportunities for female graduates
- Creating robust support services within universities, including career guidance, funding mechanisms, and networking opportunities
The Way Forward
ANIE believes that these research findings and recommendations will be invaluable for policymakers, higher education institutions, and development organizations in designing interventions that promote gender equality and empower female students in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The organization extends its gratitude to the British Council for their support in making this research possible and to all the researchers and institutions that contributed to its success.
Call to Action
ANIE urges stakeholders to take action on the recommendations outlined in the report to create a more equitable and supportive environment for female students in higher education, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and social transformation in Africa.