Attraction and Retention Factors for Female Students into Construction-Related Programs in Developing Countries: The Case of Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Attracting and retaining female students in construction-related programs are increasingly gaining attention in academic research and practice. However, there are limited empirical studies undertaken in developing countries. Thus, this mixed research approach study identified the attraction and retention factors for female students in construction-related programs in Tanzania. Primary data was collected from semi-structured interviews with fifteen female students enrolled in construction programs. A quantitative survey administered to two and ten hundred respondents was then administered. Job/career opportunity, self-confidence of performing construction works, father working in the industry, role model apart from parents, scholarship programs, high school advisor, friends and relatives, parents’ professions and scholarship adverts emerged as the main attraction factors to construction programs. In contrast, career opportunity after graduation, female students in class, mathematics-based course, female faculty members, community of students/classmates, a role model and involvement in construction works were the main retention factors. The study concludes by providing insights into its empirical contributions and practical implications not only for Tanzania but to construction programs in developing countries for government policy makers, educators and learning institutions.