Women in Academia : A Study of Women Academics' Underrepresentation, Gender Bias and Discrimination in Ethiopian Public Universities

The general underrepresentation of women academics has long been an issue of concern in higher education systems of many developing countries. This study reports the findings of a research undertaken in 2009 in three Ethiopian public universities to address the following research questions: What is the extent of women academics' representation in faculty and administrative positions in Ethiopian public universities? How do male and female academics perceive the extent of gender bias and discrimination in their universities? What factors explain the small presence of women academics in senior ranks and management positions?