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While the need for quality education research is critical to the African continent’s development, women’s voices are often sidelined due to systemic barriers. This research note examines the gender gap in education research in Africa and provides an overview of the challenges women face in African education research.
It combines quantitative data with qualitative insights to highlight the systemic nature of the barriers hindering women’s participation in education research and the under-representation of women in higher education institutions and think tanks, pointing to the limited number of women researchers and their inadequate access to funding. This financial constraint has significant repercussions, impacting research output, limiting career progression, and perpetuating the gender gap in knowledge production.
The note further draws parallels with the experiences of women researchers in the Global North. This comparative perspective highlights the universality of certain challenges, such as the “leaky pipeline” phenomenon and horizontal segregation, while also acknowledging the unique contextual factors at play in Africa.
In terms of solutions, the research note offers a range of practical recommendations, drawing inspiration from initiatives both within and beyond Africa. These include targeted funding programmes, institutional reforms, support for researchers navigating life transitions, and the development of more comprehensive data collection mechanisms.
Overall, the research note provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about gender equity in research. Its comprehensive analysis, insightful recommendations, and focus on solutions make it a useful resource for funders, policymakers, and institutions seeking to create a more equitable and inclusive research landscape in Africa.
Read the complete background note here.