Case Study of Challenges Gender Focal Person Facing: The Case of College of Humanities, Addis Ababa University of Ethiopia

Abstract

Higher education’s responses and decisive roles to bring consistent and persistent change to socio-political and economic influences that affect gender equality at the nation-state and university levels has unparalleled importance that can bring tangible behavioral and institutionalized change toward gender equality. The gender focal point/person is the key staff member within an organization dealing with gender mainstreaming strategy and build capacities for incorporating gender into work and advocating for increased attention to and integration of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Gender mainstreaming is a strategy for making the concerns and experiences of women as well as of men an integral part of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs in all political, economic and societal spheres, so that women and men benefit equally, and inequality is not perpetuated. This article identified lack resource and facilities, lack of attention/recognition, and language barrier as challenges that hinder gender focal person to accomplish her responsibilities. Preparing and drafting policy is a good and guiding step for institutionalizing and tackling identified problems, however the main decisive factor that enhances success is determined and committed leaders who are ready to implement and support it.