Gender difference in higher education in Ethiopia: a case of Addis Ababa University (AAU)

This study intends to indicate the extent of gender disparity; compare gender gap in science and engineering with that of social science and health fields; and explore the reasons for gender gap in Addis Ababa University (AAU). It employed a mixed design, using document analysis for collecting quantitative data regarding the extent of disparity and using interview for collecting qualitative data regarding the reasons for disparity. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentages while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Accordingly, the study showed that the gender gap in enrolments, in graduates, and in honours lists in the last five years remains wide in favour of males. Females’ underrepresentation was worse in science and engineering fields. Moreover, females’ educational attainment was lower as compared to males; and their attainment in science and engineering fields was lower than that in social science fields. It appears that females’ underrepresentation in the university in general and in science and engineering fields in particular is attributable to different factors rooted in social and cultural norms and practices.