Importance
of Women Participants in Higher Education: A study among female faculty in
Jagtialand Karimnagar
Dr.Mrs. Harjoth Kaur,
Asst Professor of Commerce
Government Degree College for Women,
Jagtial,
Abstract
Right to Education,
Article 45 of Indian Constitution states free and compulsory education for all
children until they complete the age of fourteen years, irrespective of gender,
to achieve the goal of basic education for all. To develop an equitable and just
society, access to quality education is a must. In India, Department of School
Education and Literacy through its autonomous/Statutory bodies like CBSE, KVS,
JNV, NIOS and NCTE and its centrally sponsored scheme of Samagra Shiksha, PM
Poshan, Padhna Likhna Abhiyan and central sector scheme of National Means cum
Merit Scholarships is committed to create a quality education system. They focus
on historically marginalized, disadvantaged, and underrepresented groups. Then
this facilitates in achieving economic and social mobility, inclusion, and
equality.India became one of the hundred and thirty-five countries to make
education a fundamental right of every child with its the act which is implemented
on 1st of April 2010.The female literacy rate in India has increased by 14.4% between
2010-2021. But there is limited representation of women in many sectors of
Indian society. As per HRD Ministry, only 42.2% female teachers are working in
higher education institutes in India. However, women form a higher percentage
of college teachers in Telangana.The present study focuses on the important
role that women play in higher education, constraints faced by them in the
teaching profession as well as problems faced while balancing professional and
personal lives in Jagtial and Karimnagar. The data is collected from 78 female
faculty using convenient sampling method. The data is analyzed using SPSS 26
version.
Keywords:
Women, Teaching Fraternity, Higher education.
Introduction
A well-educated woman not
only provides the skills, knowledge, and self-assurance necessary to be a
better mom, worker, and citizen but she will also be very productive at work
thereby earning more. It is rightly said that if a woman in a family is educated,
the whole family prospers. We can indeed say that the return on investment in
education is often higher for women than for males.
Education is a
fundamental human right and it is necessary, irrespective of gender, to achieve
the goal of basic education for all. There is limited representation of women
in many sectors of Indian society; however, women form a higher percentage of
college professors in Karnataka. Women’s support of one another plays an
important role in higher education and they can balance both professional and
personal life. Women enter the teaching profession because of the flexibility
in time, which helps them manage both professional and personal lives
simultaneously. Women are working in all the sectors, i.e., education, medical,
engineering, transportation, etc., but they continue to face gender
discrimination as most professions are dominated by men. Women have proven
themselves to be mentally strong as they work hard and successfully manage both
family life and professional space together. The present study focuses on the
important role that women play in higher education, constraints faced by them
in the teaching profession as well as problems faced while balancing
professional and personal lives. For the survey, open-ended research questionnaires
were framed. The study concludes that participation of women in higher
education plays a vital role. The study suggests remedial measures to overcome
constraints faced by females in the profession of teaching. Hence, the present
paper focuses on the importance of women in higher education and what problems
they are facing in higher education. It also throws light on the balance
between personal and professional lives of women.
Objectives of the study
The present study was
undertaken with the following objectives:
·
To know the importance of women in
higher education.
·
To study the problems faced by women in
higher education.
·
To analyze the work-life balance of
women in higher education.
·
Limitations of the
Study
·
The respondents who participated in the survey are from Karimnagar
and Jagtial only. Hence Generalization is not possible.
·
Only 78 filled questionnaires are received from female faculty
for evaluation.
Methodology
The researcher used questionnaire method and
distributed 100 questionnaires to female faculty in Karimnagar and Jagtial. The
researcher received only 78 duly filled up questionnaires. The convenient
sampling method is followed to get information from the respondents. Simple
percentage was used to analyze the data using SPSS 26 version, statistical software.
Review of Literature
Prashanth Kumar C.P.&Santhosh V.( 2021) in
their paper titled A Study on Importance of Women Participants in
HigherEducation: A Case Study of Karnataka, India stated that “participation of
women in higher education plays a vital role. The study suggests
remedialmeasures to overcome constraints faced by females in the profession of
teaching.”.
Sanghita Ghosh&Amit Kundu (2021) in their
paper titled Women’s Participation in Higher Education in India: An Analysis
Across Major States stated that “significant share of female teachers, higher
per capita state domestic product (a proxy for per-capita income) and
availability of colleges and girls’ hostels are playing important roles to
contributing to the GER of females and GPI in higher education in India.”.
Anuradha Shah Dr. Sangeeta Angom(2020) in
their paper titled women participation in private highereducation: a study of Uttar
Pradesh stated that “Education plays a very significant role in the lives of
women. It has a direct relationshipwith women's empowerment”.
Data Analysis & Interpretation
Demographic Profile of the respondents
|
Age |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
21-24 |
6 |
7.7 |
7.7 |
7.7 |
|
25-29 |
7 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
16.7 |
|
|
30-34 |
18 |
23.1 |
23.1 |
39.7 |
|
|
35-39 |
21 |
26.9 |
26.9 |
66.7 |
|
|
40-45 |
17 |
21.8 |
21.8 |
88.5 |
|
|
Above 45 |
9 |
11.5 |
11.5 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The
above table shows the Age wise distribution of female faculty in Karimnagar and
Jagtial.. In the analysis, it clearly shows that among 78 respondents, a
maximum of 26.9% of faculty were under the category of 35-39 years age group,
23.1 % of them were under the category of 30-34 years age group, 21.8 % of them
were under the category of 40-45 years age group, 11.5 % of them were under the
category of above 45 years age group and 9 % of them were under the category of
25-29 years age group and lastly 7.7% of them were of 21-24 years age group .
This shows that Gen X i.e between the ages of 30 and 45 are female faculty in
Karimnagar & Jagtial. As Canadian author, Douglas Coupland popularized the
people who are born after the 1960s. They are typically described as
resourceful, independent, and good at maintaining work-life balance. They were
the first generation to grow up with personal computers. They tend to have
liberal views on social issues. They are more ethnically diverse than boomers.
|
Education |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
Post Graduate |
47 |
60.3 |
60.3 |
60.3 |
|
M.Phil/Doctorate |
31 |
39.7 |
39.7 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The
above table shows the Education wise distribution of female faculty in
Karimnagar & Jagtial. In the
analysis, it clearly shows that among 78 respondents, a maximum of 60.3 % of them
were post graduates and 39.7 % were M.Phils & Doctorates. As we all know
being highly qualified helps one to
become a better worker. Higher qualification among women faculty is low. It
also shows that research is limited in these areas as very few are doctorates.
|
Sector |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
Private |
47 |
60.3 |
60.3 |
60.3 |
|
Government |
31 |
39.7 |
39.7 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The above table shows the sector wise distribution of female
faculty in Karimnagar & Jagtial. In
the analysis, it clearly shows that among 78 respondents, a maximum of 60.3 %
of them are teaching in private colleges and 39.7% of them are teaching in
Government Colleges. This clearly shows that female faculty ismore in number in
private colleges.One of the main advantages of private sector jobs as seen in
many occupations is that they often offer higher salaries than government jobs.
Apart from that they give bonuses and other incentives. This can be the reason
for those faculties who want to earn a higher income are settled in private
colleges.
|
MonthlyIncome |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
LESS THAN 10,000 |
6 |
7.7 |
7.7 |
7.7 |
|
10,000-20,000 |
30 |
38.5 |
38.5 |
46.2 |
|
|
20,000-50,000 |
24 |
30.8 |
30.8 |
76.9 |
|
|
50,000 & ABOVE |
18 |
23.1 |
23.1 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The above table shows the monthly Income wise distribution
of female faculty in Karimnagar & Jagtial.
In the analysis, it clearly shows that among 78 respondents, a maximum
of 38.5 % of them are earning Rs 10000-20000 per month, 30.8 % of them are
earning Rs 20000-50000 per month, 23.1 % of them are earning Rs 50000 &
above per month and lastly 7.7% of them
are earning less than Rs 10000 per month. The faculty is earning Rs 10000-20000
per month. This shows that salaries in education sector are low especially in
private sector colleges.
|
MaritalStatus |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
NEVER MARRIED |
10 |
12.8 |
12.8 |
12.8 |
|
CURRENTLY MARRIED |
39 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
62.8 |
|
|
SEPARATED/DIVORCED |
17 |
21.8 |
21.8 |
84.6 |
|
|
WIDOWED |
12 |
15.4 |
15.4 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The above table shows the marital status wise distribution
of female faculty in Karimnagar & Jagtial.
In the analysis, it clearly shows that among 78 respondents, a maximum
of 50 % of them are married, 21.8 % of them are separated/divorced, 15.4 % of
them are widowed and lastly 12.8% of them are single/never married.
|
Position |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
Lecturer/Asst Profesor |
50 |
64.1 |
64.1 |
64.1 |
|
Associate Professor |
16 |
20.5 |
20.5 |
84.6 |
|
|
Profesor |
12 |
15.4 |
15.4 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The above table shows the Position held wise distribution of
female faculty in Karimnagar & Jagtial.
In the analysis, it clearly shows that among 78 respondents, a maximum
of 64.1 % of them are lecturers/Assistant Professors, 20.5 % of them are
Associate Professors and lastly 15.4 % of them are Professors.
|
Working
Colleges |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
Junior College |
15 |
19.2 |
19.2 |
19.2 |
|
Degree College |
34 |
43.6 |
43.6 |
62.8 |
|
|
Polytechnic College |
16 |
20.5 |
20.5 |
83.3 |
|
|
Engineering College |
9 |
11.5 |
11.5 |
94.9 |
|
|
Other |
4 |
5.1 |
5.1 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The above table shows the Working
Colleges wise distribution of female faculty in Karimnagar & Jagtial. In the analysis, it clearly shows that among
78 respondents, a maximum of 43.6 % of them are working in Degree colleges,
20.5 % of them are working in Polytechnic colleges, 19.2 % of them are working
in Junior Colleges, 11.5 % of them are working in Engineering Colleges and
lastly 5.1 % of them are working in other colleges like paramedical, dental,
medical etc.
|
Religion |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
HINDU |
24 |
30.8 |
30.8 |
30.8 |
|
MUSLIM |
21 |
26.9 |
26.9 |
57.7 |
|
|
SIKH |
12 |
15.4 |
15.4 |
73.1 |
|
|
CHRISTIAN |
13 |
16.7 |
16.7 |
89.7 |
|
|
Other |
8 |
10.3 |
10.3 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The above table shows the religion wise distribution of
female faculty in Karimnagar & Jagtial.
In the analysis, it clearly shows that among 78 respondents, a maximum
of 30.8 % of them belongs to Hindu religion, 26.9 % of them belong to Muslim
religion, 16.7 % of them belong to Christianity, 15.4 % of them belong to Sikh
religion and lastly 10.3 % of them belong to other religion like Kacchi,
Sindhis etc.
|
Region |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
Karimnagar |
40 |
51.3 |
51.3 |
51.3 |
|
Jagtial |
38 |
48.7 |
48.7 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The above table shows the region wise distribution of female
faculty in Karimnagar & Jagtial. In
the analysis, it clearly shows that among 78 respondents, a maximum of 51.3 %
of them belongs to Karimnagar and 48.7 % belongs to Jagtial region.
|
Importance
of Women in HEs |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
Low Importance of Women in HEs |
1 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
|
Moderate
Importance of Women in HEs |
65 |
83.3 |
83.3 |
84.6 |
|
|
High Importance of Women in HEs |
12 |
15.4 |
15.4 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The above table shows the opinion of importance of women in
Higher Education wise distribution of female faculty in Karimnagar &
Jagtial. The opinion is collected on a 5
point Likert Scale on statements as follows
Women are seekingadministrative
positions inhigher education
Women are supportive ofother women
in theprofession
Women are perceived(equal) to be as
powerful onthe job as men
Women often lack freedomof
geographic mobilitywhich impedes their careeradvancement
Women are frequentlyperceived
instereotyped (fiixed) roles
Women are more capablethan men at
managing team(collaborative) work efforts
In the analysis, it clearly shows
that among 78 respondents, a maximum of 83.3% opined that importance of women
in Higher Education is moderate, 15.4 % opined that importance of women in
Higher Education is high and lastly 1.3% opined that importance of women in
Higher Education is low.
|
Problems
of Women in HEs |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
Poor Problems of Women in HEs |
1 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
|
Moderate
Problems of Women in HEs |
67 |
85.9 |
85.9 |
87.2 |
|
|
High Problems of Women in HEs |
10 |
12.8 |
12.8 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The above table shows the opinion of problems of women in
Higher Education wise distribution of female faculty in Karimnagar &
Jagtial. The opinion is collected on a 5
point Likert Scale on statements as follows
Women
are more sensitive to people matters than men
Women
are not as effective in their decision-making as men
Women
are incapable of financial finesse
Women
lack in delegation skills
Women
are more concerned about the job process rather than the end result
Women
work harder than men for less money
Women
are not good mediators
Innate
gender differences account primarily for the ways men and women function on the
job
In the analysis, it clearly shows
that among 78 respondents, a maximum of 85.9% opined that problems of women in
Higher Education is moderate, 12.8 %
opined that problems of women in Higher Education is high and lastly 1.3%
opined that problems of women in Higher Education is low.
|
Work-
Life Balance of Women in HEs |
|||||
|
|
Frequency |
Percent |
Valid Percent |
Cumulative Percent |
|
|
Valid |
Moderate
Work- Life Balance of Women in
HEs |
49 |
62.8 |
62.8 |
62.8 |
|
High Work- Life Balance of Women in HEs |
29 |
37.2 |
37.2 |
100.0 |
|
|
Total |
78 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
|
|
Source:Primary Data
The above table shows the opinion of Work- Life Balance of
Women in Higher Education wise distribution of female faculty in Karimnagar
& Jagtial. The opinion is collected
on a 5 point Likert Scale on statements as follows
Career-oriented women are
frequently torn between family and work responsibilities.
Women are good managers of people and the
tasks that need to be completed
Women are good organizers and can
keep their focus on what needs to be accomplished
Balancing of both professional and personal
life simultaneously is difficult
In the analysis, it clearly shows
that among 78 respondents, a maximum of 62.8% opined that Work- Life Balance of
Women in Higher Education is moderate, 37.2 % opined that of Work- Life Balance
of Women in Higher Education is high.
Findings
Ø Majority
of female faculty were under the category of 35-39 years age group. They are
Gen X people- resourceful, independent, and good
at maintaining work-life balance. They were the first generation to grow up
with personal computers. They tend to have liberal views on social issues. They
are more ethnically diverse than boomers.
Ø
A maximum of 60.3 % of them were
post graduates and 39.7 % were M.Phils & Doctorates. As we all know
being highly qualified helps one to
become a better worker. Higher qualification among women faculty is low. It
also shows that research is limited in these areas as very few are doctorates.
Ø Female faculty is more in number in private colleges.One of
the main advantages of private sector jobs as seen in many occupations is that
they often offer higher salaries than government jobs. Apart from that they
give bonuses and other incentives. This can be the reason for those faculties
who want to earn a higher income are settled in private colleges.
Ø Majority of female faculty is earning Rs 10000-20000 per month. This shows that
salaries in education sector are low especially in private sector colleges.
Ø Majority
of female faculty are married. It is observed that
husband and wife are working.
Ø Majority
of female faculty are lecturers/assistant professors.
Ø Majority
of female faculty are working in degree colleges.
Ø Majority
of female faculty belong to Hindu religion.
Ø Majority
of female faculty are working in Karimnagar.
Ø A maximum of 83.3% opined that importance of women in Higher
Education is moderate.
Ø A maximum of 85.9% opined that problems of women in Higher
Education are moderate.
Ø A maximum of 62.8% opined that Work- Life Balance of Women in
Higher Education is moderate.
Suggestions
Ø
Faculty
should be encouraged to pursue Doctorate degrees and inclined themselves in
research apart from teaching.
Ø The authorities
has to create awareness andsensitization in rural areasabout the special needs
ofwomen.
Ø The percentage
at the post graduate level indicates that more women aretransiting from postgraduate
to the next higher-level courses. They must be encouraged to do.
Ø There is a need for thorough planning in the favour of women whichshould
ensure them to right to food, shelter, health, education and employment.
Conclusion
Women play different
roles in day-to-day life as mother, sister, wife, daughter, and friend and so
on. They are pursuing higher degrees and earning to support their families.
They have made their mark in all fields. They made no stone unturned to mark
their identity in the past or present. Their foot prints tell about theirremarkable
journey. Through higher education, women contribute to the empowerment
ofthemselves and other women.
References
Prashanth Kumar C.P.and
Santhosh V(2021). A Study on Importance of Women Participants in Higher
Education: A Case Study of Karnataka, India. Journal of International Women’s
Studies Vol. 22, No. 6 June 2021 retrieved from
https://vc.bridgew.edu/jiws/vol22/iss6/11/
https://vc.bridgew.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2485&context=jiws
https://www.kristujayanti.edu.in/AQAR/3.4.3-Research-Papers/Proof/RP21086.pdf
Sanghita Ghosh and Amit
Kundu (2020). Women’s Participation in Higher Education in India: An Analysis
Across Major States. Indian Journal of Human Development. Volume 15, Issue
2retrieved fromhttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/09737030211030048?journalCode=jhda
Anuradha Shah Dr.
Sangeeta Angom (2022).women participation in private higherEducation: a study
of Uttar Pradesh .retrieved from http://www.niepa.ac.in/scholar/Batch/2020/3_Anuradha%20Shah%20(20201008).pdf
Author
Dr.Mrs.
Harjoth Kaur,
B.Ed.,M.Com.,MBA.,MEG.,M.Phil.,NET.,PGDCA.,Ph.D
Asst
Professor of Commerce
Government
Degree College for Women, Jagtial,
Affiliated
to Satavahana University,Karimnagar.
