We are pleased to announce a call for chapters for an upcoming edited volume entitled "Gender and Higher Education: Perspectives, Challenges, and Innovations." This book aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between gender and higher education, examining how gender dynamics influence educational experiences, outcomes, and institutional practices. In particular, we seek to address the pressing need to understand and mitigate the disparities in access to higher education faced by individuals of diverse gender identities, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. This region continues to grapple with significant challenges related to gender inequality, where cultural norms and patriarchal structures often limit opportunities for women and marginalized groups in academic settings.

In many Sub-Saharan African countries, systemic barriers hinder equitable access to higher education, resulting in lower enrolment and retention rates for female students. These disparities are compounded by socio-economic factors, cultural expectations, and gender-based violence, which create an environment that is often unwelcoming or hostile to women pursuing higher education. Addressing these issues is not only a matter of social justice but also essential for the socio-economic development of the region. By highlighting the unique challenges faced by women and other marginalized genders in this context, this volume aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on gender equity and inclusivity in higher education.

Furthermore, this book will showcase innovative practices and policies that have been successfully implemented to promote gender equity within academic institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. We encourage contributors to share case studies, research findings, and theoretical perspectives that illuminate effective strategies for overcoming the barriers to access and success in higher education. By bringing together diverse voices and experiences, this volume aspires to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, ultimately advancing the understanding of gender issues in higher education and inspiring actionable change across the region.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of this book are to:

  • Highlight the challenges faced by individuals of diverse gender identities in higher education.
  • Showcase innovative practices and policies that promote gender equity and inclusion within academic institutions.
  • Provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on gender issues in higher education.

 

 

Topics of Interest:

We invite contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

  • Gender disparities in enrolment, retention, and graduation rates.
  • The impact of gender on academic performance and career trajectories.
  • Gender disparities in STEM Education
  • Gender-based violence and harassment in higher education settings.
  • Intersectionality and its implications for gender in higher education.
  • Policies and practices that support gender equity in recruitment and retention of faculty and students.
  • Innovative pedagogical and andragogical approaches to teaching gender studies and inclusivity.
  • Case studies of successful gender equity initiatives in higher education institutions.
  • The role of male allies in promoting gender equity.

 

Submission Guidelines:

Chapter Length: 5,000 to 7,000 words, including references.

Format: Chapters should be submitted in Microsoft Word format, using APA style for citations and references.

Deadline for Submission (full chapters): 31 July 2026

Review Process: All submitted chapters will undergo a double-blind peer-review process.

 

How to Submit:

Please send your chapter proposals (250-300 words) along with a brief author biography (100 words) to [submission link] by 15 May 2026. Authors of accepted proposals will be invited to submit full chapters by the final submission deadline.

 

Publication Details:

The book will be published by University of Zimbabwe/ZEGU press and is expected to be released in April 2027.

 

Important date:

Book Chapter Proposals Submission:                                                15 May 2026

Proposal acceptance Notification:                                                     30 May 2026  

Full Chapter Submissions:                                                                 31 July 2026

Book Chapter acceptance Notification:                                             15 October 2026           

Camera Ready Submission:                                                               20 January 2026

Book Publication:                                                                               30 March 2026

 

Contact Information:

For any inquiries or further information, please contact editorial team: ugoshomi@wua.ac.zw; nkwangwa@wua.ac.zw ; hvenganai@wua.ac.ze; nmutanana@wua.ac.zw; imafa@wua.ac.zw

 

We look forward to your contributions and to advancing the discourse on gender and higher education through this collaborative effort!