The importance of higher education in today's world and workforce cannot be overstated. It is well-known that higher education leads to better jobs, higher salaries, and elevated social status. Unfortunately, women have been historically underrepresented in the realm of higher education. In recent years, however, numerous efforts have been made to stabilize and empower women in this arena. As such, this chapter aims to provide an in-depth analysis of these progressive efforts. Stabilizing and empowering women in higher education is essential in promoting gender equality and generational social progress. While substantial gains have been made in recent years, much remains to be done. Universities must continue to support all women in higher education – students, staff, faculty, and leaders alike – through mentorship, work-life balance policies, and opportunities for advancement. Highlighted here is that these efforts will provide women with the support and opportunities necessary to succeed in and beyond the academic sphere.
TopIntroduction
“If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” – African Proverb1
The importance of higher education in today’s world and workforce cannot be overstated (Johnson, 2014). It is a known fact that higher education leads to better jobs, better salaries, and better social status (Osterman & Shulman, 2011; Wiles, 1974). Unfortunately, women have been historically underrepresented in higher education (Alemán & Renn, 2002; Cronin & Roger, 1999; Krause, 2017). In recent years, however, numerous efforts have been made to stabilize and empower women in higher education (DiGeorgio-Lutz, 2002; Sharma & Afroz, 2014). Women’s suffrage and civil rights movements marked significant milestones in the history and advancement of women’s empowerment initiatives (Marino, 2019; Olson, 2001).
Figure 1. Women in higher education timeline
As shown in Figure 1 – Women in Higher Education Timeline, women were typically excluded from key roles in colleges and universities in the United States until well into the 19th century (Beard, 1916; Hill et al., 2016). Gender equity remains a challenge, even 100 years after recognizing women’s right to vote (Perrons, 2009; Winchester & Browning, 2015). Although women have made noteworthy strides in advancing their status in various fields – including higher education – disparities remain extant (DeWitt, 2016; Noble & Moore, 2006). In higher education, women have successfully broken through the gender barrier but are still underrepresented in specific disciplinary sectors and many top-level leadership positions (Johnson, 2021; Johnson & Fournillier, 2022, 2023).
Without question, gains have been made regarding the participation of women in society, politics, education, and employment. Nevertheless, the representation of women in positions of power and influence has been conspicuously less progressive (Goethals & Hoyt, 2017; Crowe et al., 2018; Slaughter, 2015). Although women have made noteworthy strides in advancing their status in various fields – including higher education – disparities remain extant. In higher education settings, women have been able to break through the gender barrier (Aiston, 2011; Eddy & Ward, 2017; Rosa & Clavero, 2022). However, they are still underrepresented in specific disciplinary sectors and in many top-level leadership positions across the board (Hoyt, 2010; Siemiatycki, 2019; Thomas, 2017).
The reasons behind women’s underrepresentation in higher education vary, ranging from familial and cultural attitudes to financial issues. Women have long been viewed as less capable than men in specific fields (El-Amin, 2022; Smith & Johnson, 2019). Additionally, the cost associated with obtaining a higher education degree can be prohibitive for some women. However, there has been considerable progress in recent years. Many universities have implemented policies actively encouraging women to pursue higher education degrees. Scholarships and financial aid packages have also been introduced to help women overcome financial obstacles.
TopTheories On Women In Higher Education
“Education is one thing no one can take away from you.” – Elin Nordegren