Innovating Inclusion: Unveiling the Journey of Women Pursuing Engineering Education in Cameroon

Abstract

The presence of gender-related challenges within the milieu of engineering education is an undeniable reality. Going beyond borders and cultures, these challenges fade the shadow over the learning journey of female students in the engineering field. These challenges can build barriers and obstruct their goals in the field. The main focus of this study is to analyse the self-recognised challenges and experiences of female students pursuing engineering at the National and Advanced School of Mines and Petroleum Industries (NASMPI). Mixed method research was applied to this study; a questionnaire was addressed to ninety-five female students and graduates who were randomly chosen from the National and Advanced School of Mines and Petroleum Industries. The female students and graduates chosen represented each of the eight engineering departments of the school from each year of a five-year master’s program (from levels one to five). According to the study findings, female students faced numerous gender-related challenges in studying at NASMPI. The study has made recommendations in order to limit these challenges and make the engineering milieu comfortable for everyone.

Keywords: key words, Women Students; Self-experience; Gender-related Challenges; STEM Education

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/15-12-06

Publication date: December 30th 2024