Coronavirus (COVID-19) and women in higher education in a South African University : Academic and social implications

Abstract

History and present realities have presented a dual diachronic relationship between women in higher education and gender inequality. In quintessence, women are and continue to be faced by gendered disparities and practices by institutions of higher learning, coupled with the overarching demand of academic work vis-à-vis family responsibilities. The advent of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has presented new and continuing academic and social implications for women in academia. This paper adopted a mixed methods approach. Data collection was done using in-depth interviews and survey questionnaires with a sample of 30 respondents, ranging from different academic positions such as lecturer to professor. The paper observed that women face difficulties in balancing work and family responsibilities. Moreover, the adoption of online learning and other digital platforms during the pandemic has its own shortcomings, given the lack of resources and financial support that affect their historically disadvantaged institutions. This has negatively impacted the academic and administrative work of women in academia. The paper recommended that universities and other stakeholders need a comprehensive approach through capacity-building programmes and mentoring to overcome the obstacles and pave the way for the support of women academics to carry out their duties during and after this difficult COVID-19 crisis.