The problems of female students at Jimma University, Ethiopia, with some suggested solutions

Abstract

Background: Education is perhaps the single essential measure to ensure a full participation of women in development. Women's participation in all fields of the world has become significant. Objective: This study was conducted to identify gender related problems of female students in Jimma University (JU).

Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study undertaken using quantitative and qualitative methods, in which the university community (staff and students of both sexes) participated.

Results: The problems most frequently cited were violence, harassment and lack of security. Lack of facilities and assertiveness, workload, and academic performance were mentioned less often. In particular, awareness towards the existence of gender discrimination in campus diverge between males (30%) and females (64%), P< 0.001. However, the solutions suggested focused on raising awareness, guidance and counseling, academic support and improvement of facilities.

Conclusion: This study strongly suggests that in order to improve female achievement in tertiary education, attention should be given to personal security, material support and assertiveness creation in addition to academic needs.

[Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2002;16(3):257-266]