Creating Access to Education for Disadvantaged Female Civil Servants Ethiopian Civil Service University (ECSU)

The reform initiative is about: Empowering disadvantaged female civil servants through provision of opportunities for participation in higher education

The initiative started in September, 2003 at the Ethiopian Civil Service University (ECSU) participants drawn from among female civil servants females discriminated against in a male dominated force of c.1 million, generally in society to promote and empower them through participation in higher education; as faculty members

Reform in operation Providing opportunities for higher education at ECSU through:  alternative admission procedures: pre- sessional preparation: English, Maths, Study Skills, Assertiveness, Stress Mgt.  mechanisms of retention in the university: tutorials, guidance & counselling, gynacologist service.

 increasing participation of females as faculty members at ECSU:  advertisement targetting female MA/MSc/PhD graduates  selection of those with very good marks and thesis evaluation

Stages of the reform: Discussions to build consensus: with University Board, among University Administrative Council, Senate members, Academic Departments concerned with Ministries of Federal Affairs, Women, Youth and Children’s Affairs regional agencies, bureaus via the Ministries political willingness, Commitment, support ensured

Overcoming Constraints: some faculty members had negative attitudes towards affirmative action  Believed entrance should be based on competition whatever the case Some famale students had low esteem of themselves and lacked in self-confidence Some male civil servants not happy with the initiative  Discussions and strong support from ministries  Constitution as basis for the initiative

Enabling factors: Conviction of Leadership and most faculty members Financial and material support from ministries concerned Support from regional governments: salaries continued to be paid Budget for meals and accommodation from Ministry of Finance Concerted action by stakeholders

Impact of the initiative: Female civil servants participation in higher education increased Female civil servants with MA credentials in mid- level position enhanced Female members of faculty increased Role models being created Other institutions introducing similar initiatives

Sustainability of initiative: Govt support: Federal ministries, agencies. Budget from Ministry of Finance Support from regional govt departments Acceptance by university faculty Leadership driving with MA credential

Lessons learned: given the opportunity and proper support, female civil servants can succeed in developing themselves negative attitudes can be encountered, but attitudinal change can be effected through awareness raising discussions leadership commitment at all levels is crucial