Identification of Factors Contributing to Gender Disparity in an Ethiopian University

This study aims to identify factors that underpin gender disparity in participation in higher education in the context of an Ethiopian public university. Data were generated using a semi-structured interview with 20 female undergraduates and quantitative information obtained from University's Registrar Office. The results show that enrolment has increased in absolute numbers while female dismissal rates soared alarmingly between 2000/01-2004/05. To bridge the gender disparity in participation, the paper recommends intervention strategies aimed at bolstering academic achievement and positive self-concept among female students.East African Social Science Research Review Vol. 23 (2) 2007: pp. 71-9