Gender mainstreaming in higher education institutions towards the MDGs

Several empirical studies have concluded that gender equality is a crucial ingredient for development. Gendered higher education institutions play an important role in this respect. The research problem that this book sought to address was whether Addis Ababa and Unity Universities have mainstreamed gender throughout their systems in order to contribute towards gender equality and women empowerment in Ethiopia. The research employed various data collection methodologies and processed primary and secondary data sources using qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques. The key finding is that gender has not been integrated into the policies and practices of both Universities in any significant way. The study concludes that the Universities have inadequate institutional framework and commitment to mainstream gender. Moreover they lack gender analytical capacity enforcement mechanisms for accountability and have not forged strategic partnerships with development partners. The study identified practical steps that key stakeholders of the two universities should take towards gender equality and women empowerment.