Abstract
Higher education for females is an indicator of development, democracy and gender equity, particularly necessary for a nation like Cameroon which attempts to become an emerging country by 2035. Hence, this paper is focused on ascertaining female aspirations to higher education for access and effective participation. In so doing, a study that employed a semi-structured questionnaire collected data from 977 female students about the level of schooling they aspired to attain, the underlying reasons for their choices and their prospected barriers. Simple percentages, chi-square analysis and logistic regression analysis showed that female student’ aspirations for higher education were high, challenging the roles of higher education institutions. However, these high aspirations were based on the expectations that higher education participation and completion would be beneficial to the overall development of females and their integration into the world of work. Nevertheless, these aspirations were also tempered by barriers, and to this effect it is recommended that higher education school curricula be reformed to suit the needs of these female aspirers. Equally, financial constraints could be curbed through scholarships and donations from ex-student associations and university systems. Irrespective of this, constant research in this area is necessary as aspirations are complex, dynamic and contextual. Key words: Aspirations, higher education, females, barriers, access and effective participation.
Highlights
The education of girls and women in the society is crucial for any country as it benefits the entirety of a nation and is one of the most important ways to achieve sustainable development
Chi-square analysis and logistic regression analysis showed that female student’ aspirations for higher education were high, challenging the roles of higher education institutions. These high aspirations were based on the expectations that higher education participation and completion would be beneficial to the overall development of females and their integration into the world of work. These aspirations were tempered by barriers, and to this effect it is recommended that higher education school curricula be reformed to suit the needs of these female aspirers
I) Those who would not like to stop for a job immediately after Advanced Level are most likely to aspire for higher education (P
Summary
The education of girls and women in the society is crucial for any country as it benefits the entirety of a nation and is one of the most important ways to achieve sustainable development This explains why the education of females has been given national and international priority, expressed through research and policy initiatives, program development and advocacy. This challenging process can shape one‟s aspirations in different ways based on their own understanding of the underlying process. Most of these studies were carried out in the laboratory with fewer implications for the school and students but in the late 1940s, the focus was shifted to achievement motivation – viewed as an activating force or a drive to achieve good results and recognition which to some degree accounts for progress in school (Singh, 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
