Policy Brief: The representation of women in academia and higher education management positions

Abstract

This policy brief discusses the representation of women in different academic positions and the policies that can be put in place to support gender equality within higher education institutions (HEIs). • Globally, women outnumbered men as tertiary education students (52%) and represented close to 45% of teachers in tertiary education in 2020, as compared to less than 35% in 1990. • Nevertheless, in many countries the representation of women tends to be lower in higher academic ranks and few women reach senior and leadership positions within HEIs. • To address this gap, governments need to complement general gender policies for society as a whole (by addressing violence against women, promoting work-life balance, addressing equal pay, etc.) with specific policies for higher education. • Specific policies to address gender inequalities in higher education include raising awareness about gender inequality and promoting a culture of gender equality within HEIs to create a favorable environment. • Promoting hiring and promotion policies and practices that rely on a diverse set of performance indicators is also critical to better capture female contribution, while providing support at all stages of the academic career, including family-friendly and equal parental leave policies. • Other policy instruments that have proven helpful in bridging the gender gap in senior academic and leadership positions in HEIs include dedicated funding for additional hiring, as well as the provision of training, mentoring, and networking opportunities. • Developing and implementing systems to collect and publicize longitudinal data disaggregated by gender on staff hiring, performance and promotion at different levels increases knowledge and transparency. • Many of these measures should be co-designed by governments and HEIs given the high autonomy of HEIs and their diversity.