Significance of quality higher education in the advancement of gender equality: the case of Bangladesh

Abstract

Purpose

This research has been conducted to determine the core reasons for gender inequality and to evaluate the effectiveness of higher education as a sole solution to ensure gender equality.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study research explores the causes behind gender inequality, and interviews were conducted with 20 male and female graduates and five stakeholders. Liberal feminism theory has been employed to understand the phenomena.

Findings

The findings show that receiving a university degree cannot ensure gender equality and empowerment of women in Bangladesh. The key factors contributing to gender disparity are societal and a general deficiency of technical knowledge.

Practical implications

More policies should support women in every aspect of life, and the existing policies should be carefully followed. The government must ensure high-quality education, and people must show more significant concern by acquiring knowledge from quality education seeking gender equality.

Originality/value

This research fills the gap in the current literature by providing knowledge about the practical effectiveness of quality higher education in solving the problem of gender inequality, its core reasons and possible solutions in Bangladesh's context.

Citation

Alam, M.J., Ogawa, K., Basharat, L. and Ahsan, A.H.M. (2023), "Significance of quality higher education in the advancement of gender equality: the case of Bangladesh", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-05-2023-0177