Creating Access to Education for Disadvantaged Female Civil Servants

Ethiopian Civil Service University (ECSU)

The reform initiative is about:

Empowering disadvantaged female civil servants

through provision of opportunities for participation in higher education

The initiative started in September, 2003 at the Ethiopian Civil

Service University (ECSU)

participants drawn from among female civil servants

females discriminated against in a male dominated force of c.1 million, generally in society

to promote and empower them through participation in higher education; as faculty members

Reform in operation

Providing opportunities for higher education at ECSU through:

alternative admission procedures: pre-sessional preparation: English, Maths, Study Skills, Assertiveness, Stress Mgt.

mechanisms of retention in the university: tutorials, guidance & counselling, gynacologist service.

increasing participation of females as faculty members at ECSU:

advertisement targetting female MA/MSc/PhD graduates

selection of those with very good marks and thesis evaluation

Stages of the reform: Discussions to build consensus:

with University Board, among University Administrative Council, Senate members, Academic Departments concerned

with Ministries of Federal Affairs, Women, Youth and Children’s Affairs

regional agencies, bureaus via the Ministries

political willingness, Commitment, support ensured

Overcoming Constraints:

some faculty members had negative attitudes towards affirmative action

Believed entrance should be based on competition whatever the case

Some famale students had low esteem of themselves and lacked in self-confidence

Some male civil servants not happy with the initiative

Discussions and strong support from ministries

Constitution as basis for the initiative

Enabling factors:Conviction of Leadership and most faculty

membersFinancial and material support from ministries

concernedSupport from regional governments: salaries

continued to be paidBudget for meals and accommodation from

Ministry of FinanceConcerted action by stakeholders

Impact of the initiative:

Female civil servants participation in higher education increased

Female civil servants with MA credentials in mid-level position enhanced

Female members of faculty increased

Role models being created

Other institutions introducing similar initiatives

Sustainability of initiative:

Govt support: Federal ministries, agencies.

Budget from Ministry of Finance

Support from regional govt departments

Acceptance by university faculty

Leadership driving

with MA credential

Lessons learned:

given the opportunity and proper support, female civil servants can succeed in developing themselves

negative attitudes can be encountered, but attitudinal change can be effected through awareness raising discussions

leadership commitment at all levels is crucial