Abstract
Few women occupy a professorial rank in academia and senior management positions globally. The issues relating to women in academia find a locus in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on quality education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities, with discussions focusing on women in power and decision-making. This chapter seeks to unveil challenges African women in academia encounter and how they can overcome these challenges and position themselves to contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa. Socio-cultural ties and obligations for women in Africa create challenges that make it difficult for women in academia to break the glass ceiling. Young female academics require mentorship, work-life balance, self-reflection, and a bounce back from adverse life events. We recommend policy direction and legislation in African universities to create equal opportunities for leadership positions for women and girls at every level of decision-making to reduce the gender gap and inequalities.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Empowering African Women for Sustainable Development |
Subtitle of host publication | Toward Achieving the United Nations' 2030 Goals |
Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
Pages | 107-119 |
Number of pages | 13 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783030591021 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783030591014 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 17 Dec 2020 |
Keywords
- Academia
- Africa
- Development goals
- Glass ceiling
- Women