Nuffic identifies obstacles in mainstreaming gender
In many of the capacity development programmes managed by Nuffic gender equality proves hard to reach. Even when explicit gender-related specifications are included on request of the donor. Based on the lessons learned through NFP, NPT and NICHE Nuffic has now identified a number of key obstacles to the desired gender balance.
The lessons that Nuffic has learned with regard to mainstreaming gender in these programmes are now online. This new publication is called “Complexities of gender mainstreaming in higher education capacity development programmes”.
Download the publication(6.8 MB)
The publication includes a lot of examples and possible solutions. Some obstacles that hinder gender equality seem relatively easy to overcome. For example, gender discrimination by male employers. Removing the necessity for a recommendation from an employer when applying for an NFP scholarship would give more women the possibility to apply.
Gender and project management
Also on the Northern side some progress can be made. Project management positions in NPT and NICHE are almost exclusively taken up by men. But can a male dominated project management team incorporate gender dimensions in their projects? Qualified women should be made available in Northern organisations for these positions.
Relevance for other sectors
The lessons learned are also relevant outside the education sector. Suggested solutions are applicable to other scholarship and cooperation programmes. At least where they have the intention of promoting gender equality.
Blog posts
The authors of the publication have written two blog posts with an overview of the themes discussed in the publication: