Skip to content
  • Welcome to GATE
  • Welcome to GATE
GATEGATEGATE
  • Gender Awareness and Transformation through Education logo
  • HOME
  • ABOUT GATE
    • WHO WE ARE
    • WHAT WE DO
    • EXPERT ADVISORY BOARD
    • FUNDING
  • RESEARCH
  • NEWS & EVENTS
  • BLOG
    • ADD NEW POST
  • CONTACT US
  • WORKING PAPER SERIES

WORKING PAPER SERIES

  • All

Exploring the gendered effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Academic Staff in Tanzania

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a serious interruption to all sectors and communities. This study Explored the Gendered Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on academic staff. Specifically learning about academics’ lived experiences methodology during COVID-19 and how care and coping mechanisms impacted research activities and work-life balance. An interview guide was used to collect data from participants and Feminist Relational Theoretical Approach was used to uncover the governing norms and practices that sustain inequalities of various sorts. The results indicated gendered differences, which were caused by lockdown and academics moving to a work-from-home model that resulted in both male and female researchers facing competing demands between their professional and personal roles. Lockdown directly increased the need to spend time on parenting, homeschooling, and other caring duties. Yet noted persistent patriarchal structures leading women to provide care in the home and being expected to balance this work with their professional roles. Thus, a narrative swiftly emerged suggesting that female academics were distinctly disadvantaged by COVID-19 lockdowns and closures, as these public health measures pushed the responsibility for caring and education back into the household. Such findings can then be used to develop policy recommendations for further public health measures that can be developed for COVID-19 and other pandemics that might arise in the future that do not negatively affect one gender over another.

Key Words: covid-19, academic staff, work-life balance, gendered effect, coping mechanisms

Authors: Dr Perpetua Urio, University of Dar es Salaam College of Education, Faculty of Education, Tanzania

Dr Susan P. Murphy, Trinity College Dublin, School of Natural Sciences (Geography), Ireland

Methodological transformations – Participatory Action Research as a driver of epistemic inclusion and social change.

Authors: Dr Immanuel Darkwa, Trinity College Dublin                                          Co-Authors: Dr Susan Murphy, Trinity College, Dublin; Dr. Perpetua John Urio, University of Dar es Salaam College of Education; Dr. Consolata Chua, University of Dar es Salaam College of Education; Dr Ikupa Moses, University of Dar es Salaam College of Education.

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the feminist participatory action research methodological approach used in a collaborative project between institutions of higher education in Tanzania and Ireland as they work together to identify the opportunities and barriers to gender equality and female empowerment in higher education, and avenues to transformative social change in gender relations. As a social construct, gender is contextually situated, produced and reproduced in specific spaces and through a range of specific activities and processes. It is also relational, embedded in personal and professional relationships. Thus, the feminist PAR approach was designed to enable the development of a situation-sensitive research design and data collection; it facilitated the elaboration of epistemically inclusive, context relevant, data-informed institutional policies; and the design and implementation of inclusive educational initiatives for the staff and students. However, the paper finds that as understandings of gender within institutions of higher education are embedded in specific spatial, historical, social, economic, and cultural systems imbued in pre-existing norms, values and beliefs, the process of institutionalising gender equality and driving transformative social change can be deeply influenced and constrained by these factors. Pointing to the tensions between radical particularism and universal values of equality and inclusion, this paper shares methodological insights into the challenges and possibilities when seeking to design and implement projects that can move from technical practices of mainstreaming gender considerations in policy formation, to transformative practices in gender relations, by employing a feminist participatory action research approach to create awareness and induce transformation that influences the lived experiences of the university community.

Keywords: Gender, awareness, transformation, social change, participatory action research, feminist theory, inclusion,

Examining students’ engagement and voices in gender equality and female empowerment initiatives: Case study of a higher education institution in Tanzania

Abstract
This paper explores the opportunities for and barriers to student engagement in gender equality and female empowerment activities in higher education institutions. As future leaders, student voices represent an important contribution in the pursuit of gender transformative relations. The findings presented rest upon an empirical case study of a University in Tanzania. Data was collected through repeated focus groups and interviews between 2014-2018, and 2020. An inductive approach was used to analyse the students’ responses and to inform in the development of a framework for enhanced students’ participation and voice in the gender activities. From a theoretical perspective, the empirical data sheds light on the interconnections between social and cultural norms, formal education, empowerment activities and understandings of gender equality at the university. Using a feminist participatory action research approach, this study sought to ensure that student voice is given a central role in understanding opportunities to participation and deliberations on how to enhance engagements. This epistemically inclusive approach supports participants to develop a deeper understanding of how gender inequality can shape engagement at the institution, as well as offering opportunities to foster knowledge, skills and agency to recognise that all students, regardless of gender, have the opportunity and responsibility to foster change, and to commit to a shift of unequal power relations through iterative cycles of action and critical reflection.

Keywords: Gender equality; education; engagement; epistemic inclusion; participatory action research, student voice

Authors: Dr. Consolata Chua, Dar es Salaam University (Education). Conso.chua@gmail.com
Catherine Devine, Trinity College Dublin (Geography). cadevine@tcd.ie
Dr. Susan Murphy, Trinity College Dublin (Geography). Susan.p.murphy@tcd.ie

Undergraduate Female Leaders in Higher Education: Leadership Identity and Development

Abstract

This study investigated the development of leadership identity among six female undergraduate leaders in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs). Using the hexagon theory and motivation to lead theory, the study focused on the personal knowledge, beliefs and actions which female undergraduate student leaders connect to their leadership identity. Furthermore, the study explored the perceived leadership motivational factors for female student leaders in HLIs. The study employed a phenomenological interpretive approach to investigate a lived experience and leadership identity to female student leaders in three selected HLIs. The study has noted the obvious roles played by parents and associates in the families, peers, teachers and religious organizations in leadership identity and development. The role of teachers and peers was highly realized in adolescence stage. Further, the findings revealed that female leaders’ participation in leadership, in most cases, is pushed by their feeling of a sense of duty or responsibility to lead i.e. Social Normative Motives to Lead. The study recommends promoting power within students for social-normative as well as affective identity influence to the young girls within families, in schools, and colleges in order to develop strong committed female leaders.

Authors:

Cecilia Swai. Lecturer, Dar es Salaam University. ceciliaswai@yahoo.co.uk

Ikupa Moses. Lecturer, Dar es Salaam University. ikumoses@gmail.com

Exploring Gender Equality in Leadership Positions of HEI of Tanzania: Reality and Challenges

Abstract
This research examines the reasons to explain the under-representation of female academics at senior leadership positions in higher education in Tanzania. Although evident in Higher Education Institutions throughout the world, the specific drivers of under-representation are locally situated and context-dependent, thus requiring embedded case study analysis of institutional contexts, ethos, and progression patterns. This paper shares insight gained through an embedded case study at a large teacher-training college in Tanzania. Using the core academic progression measures of teaching, research, consultancy. The data collected reveals that although male and female academics almost spend a similar amount of time on teaching, research, and consultancy, females remain under-represented within senior leadership and management positions. From the above findings, it seems that women are equally qualified as men with same levels of education, and contribute to the same output, however, the likelihood that they will seek such higher roles is lower.

Keywords: Gender, Education, Leadership, Higher Education, Tanzania

Authors: Anna A. Mwakitalu, School of Education, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland. mwakitaa@tcd.ie
Susan Murphy, School of Natural Sciences (Geography)|Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland. Susan.P.Murphy@tcd.ie
Perpetua Urio, Faculty of Education, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Tanzania. peturio2@gmail.com
.

Matumizi ya Methali katika Kujenga Mitazamo kwa Wanawake katika Jamii nchini Tanzania

Ikisiri
Lugha kama kipengele cha Utamaduni kina nafasi kubwa ya kujenga au kubomoa fikra, itikadi na juhudi za jamii husika, katika kufanikisha shughuli mbalimbali za kimaendeleo. Methali ni kipengele kimojawapo katika lugha. Hivyo, matumizi yake hudhihirisha namna lugha katika jamii inavyoweza kuangaliwa katika milengo tofauti tofauti. Katika falsafa ya sayansi ya jamii lugha hutazamwa kama kioo cha kumtambulisha mtu katika jamii yake. Mbali ya juhudi kubwa zinazofanywa na Serikali ya Tanzania katika kuleta usawa wa kijinsia katika kufikia malengo ya uchumi wa kati, baadhi ya tamaduni za Kiafrika zimekuwa sehemu ya kikwazo katika kutimiza malengo hayo. Wanawake katika jamii mbalimbali wamekuwa wakifanya kazi kwa juhudi kwa lengo la kujikomboa kiuchumi, kisiasa, kielimu na kijamii, lakini juhudi hizi zimekuwa zikirudishwa nyuma na mila na desturi za Kiafrika zilizopitwa na wakati. Felician (2017) anapendekeza kuwa “Mwanamke na mwanaume wanapaswa kuwa na vipaumbele ambavyo vinaleta mlinganyo sawia maana kushikilia ukale ni ishara ya kurudisha jamii nyuma ya wakati.” Kutokana na utofauti wa tamaduni ziliopo baina ya jamii moja na nyingine upo umuhimu wa kuchunguza jamii nyingine. Makala haya yanajikita katika mlengo lugha na ujinsia katika kuchuguza mtazamo wa wanawake katika athari za matumizi ya lugha kwenye methali katika jamii sita za Kitanzania. Jamii hizo ni zile zenye mfumo dume: Wahehe, Wakuria na Wasukuma, na zile zenye mfumo jike: Warugulu, Wakagulu na Wazaramo. Utafiti huu umetumia data za maktabani zilizokusanywa mwaka (2019) katika jamii hizo sita (6), kama zilivyotajwa hapo juu. Utafiti huu umetumia Nadharia ya Uhalisia ya Goffman (1953). Nadharia hii inaeleza kuwa matumizi ya lugha husawiri uhalisia katika ukamilifu na wakati wake. Uhalisia katika maisha ya jamii unapewa msingi wa uandishi kuhusu uhaalisia na tukio, mhusika na mandhari huelezwa kiuhalisia. Matokeo ya utafiti huu yanaonesha kuwa ukandamizaji wa kijinsia katika jamii nyingi za Kitanzania ni zao la athari za matumizi ya lugha katika jamii, na kile jamii inachokiamini kuwa hakiwezi kubadilika kwa kuwa ni sehemu ya utamaduni wa jamii hiyo.

Maneno Msingi: Utamaduni, Mila na desturi za Kiafrika, Ujinsia, na Utamaduni-jamii

Authors: Mary Zacharia Charwi. Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam
Chuo Kishiriki cha Elimu Dar es Salaam
mzcharwi08@yahoo.com
charwi.mary@duce.ac.tz

GATE
About GATE

The Gender Awareness and Transformation through Education (GATE) Project is a partnership project between Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD) designed to support the development of gender expertise and capacities in research and education at DUCE.

GATE is funded by Irish Aid

HANDY LINKS
  • HOME
  • ABOUT GATE
    • WHO WE ARE
    • WHAT WE DO
    • GATE TEAM
    • EXPERT ADVISORY BOARD
    • FUNDING
  • RESEARCH
  • NEWS & EVENTS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT US
RELATED LINKS
  • University of Dar es Salaam University of Dar es Salaam
  • Dar es Salaam University College of Education
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • Embassy of Ireland, Tanzania
LATEST ARTICLES
  • 07
    Feb
    GATE Project International Symposium and Launch of Gender Research Centre
  • 07
    Feb
    Newsletter 2023
  • 07
    Feb
    Gender Awareness and Transformation through Education Project: External Evaluation Report 2022
Copyright 2023 © Gender Awareness and Transformation through Education Website Designed by CK Website Design Ireland
  • Gender Awareness and Transformation through Education logo
  • HOME
  • ABOUT GATE
    • WHO WE ARE
    • WHAT WE DO
    • GATE TEAM
    • EXPERT ADVISORY BOARD
    • FUNDING
  • RESEARCH
  • NEWS & EVENTS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT US
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. COOKIE SETTINGSACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

WordPress Video Lightbox Plugin