5 challenges facing women in higher education

There’s so much to love about working in higher education. The work itself can be tremendously rewarding and motivating. Employees within HE tend to build great bonds and camaraderie and line managers are supportive and encouraging. Parental leave is also incredibly generous in this sector. It’s no surprise that women are increasingly turning to a career in HE.

We know that as of 2022, women make up 30% of all professors compared to 28% in the previous two years. This shows a continuing trend of increasing by about 1% annually. And for professional services staff, there are great benefits in terms of work-life balance.

Despite all the advantages we can talk about, it’s worth pointing out that women still face numerous challenges within higher education. Here, we’ll focus on female academics and explore what impedes their access to, participation in, and progression through academia. 

Despite women often outnumbering men in university enrolment statistics, they remain underrepresented in senior academic roles, face gender-based discrimination and bear the brunt of balancing academic responsibilities with personal obligations. Let’s explore five key challenges that women in higher education continue to encounter, based on both quantitative data and lived experiences.

Related: Workplace challenges facing academics in higher education

1. Gender pay gap in academia

One of the most persistent challenges for women in higher education is the gender pay gap. While many sectors have made efforts to close this gap, academia remains a place where women often earn significantly less than their male counterparts, even when they hold similar positions or have comparable qualifications and experience. According to a report by the European Commission in 2021, female academics in the EU earned 14.8% less than male academics. In the UK, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) found that the average pay gap across universities stood at 15.1% in 2020-2021.

The gender pay gap in academia is exacerbated by the overrepresentation of women in lower-paid positions such as teaching fellows or lecturers, and their underrepresentation in higher-paid positions such as professors and senior leadership roles. Only 28% of UK academic leaders are women, compared to 31% in the private sector. The glass ceiling is very much present in higher education, preventing many women from advancing into senior roles, despite their academic credentials. 

2. Underrepresentation in leadership positions

While women are increasingly enrolling in higher education and even surpassing men in certain fields, their presence in leadership roles remains disproportionately low. As of 2021, women represented 56% of undergraduate students globally, but only 24% of vice-chancellors and university presidents in the UK are women. This disparity is particularly striking in fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), where women are even more underrepresented at the senior level.

This lack of representation in leadership is not only about gender balance; it has a real impact on decision-making and institutional culture. Research shows that diverse leadership teams make better decisions and create more inclusive environments. However, for women in higher education, achieving these roles often involves navigating a system that is still largely dominated by male networks and expectations, leading to slower career progression.

Related: Strong leadership in higher education is a game-changer

3. Work-life balance and family responsibilities

Balancing academic careers with personal life responsibilities remains one of the most significant challenges for women in higher education. Academic roles, particularly those that involve research, are often demanding, requiring long hours and a level of dedication that can be hard to maintain alongside family obligations. Women are more likely to take on primary caregiving responsibilities, which can severely limit their ability to engage fully with their academic roles or pursue opportunities for career advancement, such as international research or taking on administrative duties.

4. Gender-based discrimination and harassment

Despite significant societal changes, gender-based discrimination and harassment continue to affect women in higher education. A 2020 report by the University and College Union (UCU) found that nearly 30% of female staff in UK universities had experienced some form of sexual harassment in the workplace. The report also highlighted that many women felt their complaints were not taken seriously by their institutions, creating a culture of silence around these issues.

For women in higher education, these experiences can lead to a hostile and discouraging work environment, which affects not only their mental health but also their academic performance and career progression. The prevalence of such discrimination in higher education is particularly troubling given that these institutions are supposed to be spaces of enlightenment and inclusivity. Yet, many women still report feeling marginalised or undervalued due to their gender.

5. Lack of mentorship and support networks

A less visible but equally important challenge for women in higher education is the lack of mentorship and support networks, especially for those aspiring to senior academic or administrative positions. Studies show that mentorship plays a critical role in career development, providing guidance, support and opportunities for networking. However, due to the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, finding female mentors in academia can be difficult, particularly in male-dominated fields like STEM.

According to one source, only 26% of professors in physics in the UK are women, making it challenging for female students and early-career researchers to find role models who understand their unique challenges. What’s more, women who do reach senior positions often report feeling isolated, as they are frequently one of the few, if not the only, women in their department or faculty. This isolation can lead to burnout, particularly when combined with the pressures of having to perform at a higher level to be taken seriously in male-dominated environments.

Moving forward

Addressing the challenges facing women in higher education requires systemic change. Universities need to take concrete steps to close the gender pay gap and promote women into leadership positions. Gender-based discrimination and harassment must be tackled with clear policies and mentorship programmes should be expanded to help women navigate their academic careers more successfully.

That said, it’s important to recognise that working in higher education offers numerous rewards. Academia is a field that provides intellectual fulfilment, opportunities for research and innovation, and the chance to inspire and educate the next generation of thinkers. For many women, a career in higher education can be deeply satisfying, with the freedom to explore new ideas and make meaningful contributions to society.

No sector is perfect, and academia is no exception. However, by consciously tackling the challenges facing women in higher education, institutions can create more supportive, inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. This will lead not only to greater gender equality but also to a happier and more productive workforce overall. The future of higher education holds great promise, and with ongoing efforts to address these issues, it can be a place where both women and men can succeed and flourish.

To give your employees a voice and to discover how they feel about their institution, their workload and their colleagues, you need to ask for their insights. Our higher education staff survey has helped institutions worldwide thrive. Get in touch today for a demo.