Through qualitative research methods, this book engages in a holistic understanding of cultural, economic, and institutional forces that interact to produce the underrepresentation of women as school teachers in four sub-Saharan African countries.

Comparative case studies at the national level, using a common research design, show that teaching, despite being an attractive civil service job, offers low salaries and many challenges, especially when it takes place in rural areas. Combining professional duties with demanding family responsibilities further diminishes women’s ability to stay in the teaching profession. The studies in this book attempt to bridge research findings with policy by developing action plans in cooperation with ministries of education of the respective countries.

Women Teachers in Africa will be of interest to academic researchers, undergraduate and postgraduate students in the relevant fields, as well as development professionals, aid agency staff and education policy experts.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Gustavo E. Fischman

List of Abbreviations

Introduction

Nelly P. Stromquist

1. Increasing Female School Teachers in African Countries: Effects,

Barriers, and Policies

Caitlin S. Haugen, Steven J. Klees, Nelly P. Stromquist, Jing Lin,

Truphena Choti, Carol Corneilse

2. Women Teachers in Liberia: Social Forces Accounting for Professional

Underrepresentation

Nelly P. Stromquist, Jing Lin, Carol Corneilse, Steven J. Klees

Truphena Choti, Caitlin Haugen

3. Women Teachers in Tanzania: Barriers Encountered and Policy

Recommendations

Jing Lin, Penina Mlama, Anna Swai

4. Women Teachers in Uganda: Voices from the Field

Steven J. Klees, Elizabeth Nyivuru Jawoko, Nansozi K. Muwanga

5. Women Teachers in Togo: Tradition and Power in the Construction of

Gender

Nelly P. Stromquist, Jeannine Agounké, Ibitola Tchitou

Conclusions

Nelly P. Stromquist

Epilogue: A Note on Teacher Salaries

Steven J. Klees