This Report has been prepared by Ridgeway Information for the British Council as part of the scoping study on gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in East Asia higher education leaders, faculty members, and staff. The scoping study includes 12 countries and territories in East Asia: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Context
Female enrolment in Higher Education (HE) in East Asia is rising, but in the workforce, women are often overlooked for leadership roles, a challenge shared globally, but with specific drivers in the region. They face compounded challenges due to intersecting identities within the academic workplace. Cultural and social norms further hinder career advancement and access to leadership positions.
The British Council is committed to promoting inclusion across all aspects of our work and in East Asia we work closely with leaders in the UK and local Higher Education sectors. In discussion with our stakeholders, based on recent research focussed on the regions, we believe that to achieve meaningful change, HE institutions must actively implement gender-sensitive policies, with crucial support from national bodies.
To support our work on inclusion in Higher Education, we have published a new report on the ‘Status of gender equality in the higher education sector an East Asia’ - a scoping study on gender equality, diversity, and inclusion within the higher education sector in East Asia. This study was undertaken in conversation with a global report published by the British Council, Gender Equality in Higher Education - Maximising Impacts, published in 2022.
Key Findings
- Despite increased female enrolment in higher education institutions (HEIs) across East Asia, women are significantly underrepresented in leadership roles. Cultural and social barriers, along with institutional policies, hinder women's career progression and their ability to attain leadership positions.
- The status of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in higher education varies significantly across East Asian countries and territories due to local cultural and political contexts. These differences impact perceptions of gender roles and women's rights, influencing their representation and experiences in HEIs.
- While many countries and territories in East Asia have specific government entities dedicated to women's rights and development, there is a lack of fully formed initiatives specifically targeting higher education. Effective implementation of gender-sensitive policies at both institutional and national levels is essential for meaningful change.
- Women in higher education encounter multiple layers of barriers. These challenges are not solely related to gender but also involve other intersecting social categories that influence their experiences and opportunities within HEIs.
- The report emphasises that significant change requires sustained, long-term efforts that address fundamental institutional structures. Practical recommendations are provided to promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion meaningfully across the region, highlighting the importance of outcomes over mere participation.