Work like a girl: Redressing gender inequity in academia through systemic solutions

Authors

Kelly-Ann Allen, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Kerryn Butler-Henderson, RMIT University, AustraliaFollow
Andrea Reupert, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Fiona Longmuir, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Ilana Finefter-Rosenbluh, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Emily Berger, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Christine Grove, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Amanda Heffernan, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Nerelie Freeman, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Sarika Kewalramani, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Shiri Krebs, Deakin University, AustraliaFollow
Levita Dsouza, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Grace Mackie, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Denise Chapman, Monash University, AustraliaFollow
Marilyn Fleer, Monash University, AustraliaFollow

Abstract

Historically, the professional structure of higher education has provided restricted employment, career, and leadership opportunities for women. This is exacerbated where there is an intersection between gender and race, culture, religion, or age. Women continue to be underrepresented in senior leadership positions across a range of disciplines, and this lack of representation of women within the professional structure of higher education itself acts as a barrier for more women reaching senior levels within institutions. More women are needed in higher positions to increase representation and visibility, and to encourage and mentor others to then aspire to follow a similar path. This critical review examines gender equity across the major career benchmarks of the academy in light of the impact of the personal contexts of women, systemic processes, and cultural barriers that hinder career progression. Research-based systemic solutions that work towards improved gender equity for women are discussed. The findings from this critical review highlight the need for global systemic change in higher education to create ethical equities in the employment, career, and leadership opportunities for women.

Recommended Citation

Allen, K., Butler-Henderson, K., Reupert, A., Longmuir, F., Finefter-Rosenbluh, I., Berger, E., Grove, C., Heffernan, A., Freeman, N., Kewalramani, S., Krebs, S., Dsouza, L., Mackie, G., Chapman, D., & Fleer, M. (2021). Work like a girl: Redressing gender inequity in academia through systemic solutions. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 18(3). https://doi.org/10.53761/1.18.3.3