Gender Inequality within Higher Education Institutions: a case study of the Royal University of Phnom Penh

Abstract

Higher education is important for both men and women in preparing to enter the job market. Equal access to education is a key factor in achieving gender equality in the workforce. Unfortunately, however, there are a range of factors that de-motivate female students from pursuing postgraduate education in Cambodia. In this paper, I investigate these factors, focusing upon the negative impacts of gender inequality to make recommendations that are likely to address the gender imbalance in Masters Programs in the country. This research aims to inform all relevant stakeholders how they can adapt their practices to reduce gender inequality in higher education. An exploratory study using descriptive statistics shows that around one-third of existing Masters Candidates already hold a Masters qualification. Most currently enrolled students work and study at same time and feel constrained by this dual workload. As there are limited scholarship opportunities available at the Royal University of Phnom Penh; 76.8% of students, self- sponsored their higher education. A disproportionately high number of students in the Masters of Science in Biodiversity Conservation receive scholarships. There were significant differences in perceptions about the participation of men and women in the higher education sector. Most parents (74.4%) preferred to support their sons, rather than their daughters in pursuing further education. In contrast, most student respondents suggested that their family situation was a major de-motivating factor acting as an obstacle to women accessing a higher education. A lack of social encouragement was also a significant factor. Increased enrolments of female students should be encouraged through cooperation between the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), RUPP, parents, students and NGOs through to address these issues.