Gender Equality in Higher Education: A Comparative Study of Universities in Algeria, Poland, and North Macedonia

Authors

  • Jihane S. Mahi University of Abou Bekr Belkaid Tlemcen, Algeria
  • Natasza Maj PANS Krosno University, Poland
  • Filip Belczyk PANS Krosno University, Poland
  • Mohammed Ryad Mokhtari University of Abou Bekr Belkaid Tlemcen, Algeria
  • Nehar Benameur University of Abou Bekr Belkaid Tlemcen, Algeria
  • Kalina Markovska American College Skopje University, Macedonia

Abstract

Gender equality in higher education is a key global goal, yet significant disparities persist in academic roles and institutions. While women now constitute the majority of university enrollees in many areas, their representation among faculty and leadership remains low, highlighting ongoing horizontal and vertical segregation. Most existing research focuses on national or single-institution trends, leaving cross-institutional comparisons largely unexamined. This study addresses this gap by analyzing gender representation among students, faculty, and administrative staff at three universities: Tlemcen University (Algeria), PANS Krosno University (Poland), and Macedonia University (North Macedonia). We examined institutional data from 2020 to 2025 and contextualized our findings with reports from OECD, EIGE, and UN Women. Our results show significant variations: at Tlemcen University, women comprise 64% of students but are underrepresented among senior faculty. PANS Krosno University has near parity among professors (50.5% female) and a substantial female majority in administration (67%). Macedonia University reports balanced administrative staffing (49% female) but only 44% female professors, especially in STEM. Despite Gender Equality Plans and gendermainstreaming efforts, women encounter barriers such as biased merit systems and limited leadership opportunities. We recommend targeted strategies to dismantle these obstacles, including embedding gender perspectives in quality assurance processes, implementing equitable hiring practices, expanding mentorship programs, and establishing transparent monitoring of gender outcomes. These measures are crucial for advancing Sustainable Development Goals 4 (quality education) and 5 (gender equality).

Keywords: comparative study, higher education, gender equality, UN SDGs.

Author Biographies

Jihane S. Mahi, University of Abou Bekr Belkaid Tlemcen, Algeria

Jihane Saousane Mahi is a Ph.D. candidate in Human Resources Management at Abou Bekr Belkaid University, Tlemcen, Algeria. Her research focuses on the quality of work life, employee well-being, and employee performance. She has international academic experience through the Erasmus+ program at the University of Cádiz, Spain, and the European HRM program, and she worked as an HR consultant in Germany. Jihane has published on AI, sustainability, and quality of life. Her work combines HRM, innovation, and sustainability to explore the future of work. She was awarded the best poster at the Tlemcen international conference in Algeria and the best outstanding research at an international conference at Qatar University.

Natasza Maj, PANS Krosno University, Poland

She is a student of Herbal Medicine at the University of Applied Sciences in Krosno (PANS in Krosno), Poland. Her academic interests focus on natural medicine, herbal cosmetics, and healthy lifestyle practices. She is particularly passionate about the use of plant-based remedies and sustainable approaches to health and wellness.

Filip Belczyk, PANS Krosno University, Poland

He is a student at PANS Krosno University.

Mohammed Ryad Mokhtari, University of Abou Bekr Belkaid Tlemcen, Algeria

He is a Master’s student in Management at Abou Bekr Belkaid University, Tlemcen, Algeria. His academic interests focus on management, digital marketing, and nutrition, with a particular emphasis on innovative approaches to organizational development and communication strategies. He participated twice in the East Carolina University program on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which enriched his international perspective on sustainability and global challenges.

Nehar Benameur, University of Abou Bekr Belkaid Tlemcen, Algeria

A dedicated academic specializing in Computing, Environmental Sciences, Biology, and Agriculture. Currently serving in the Department of Ecology and Environment at the University of Tlemcen, this professor is actively involved in international research collaborations, including a global environmental exchange program with East Carolina University (USA). Their work focuses on environmental management and biological studies of water systems, with ongoing interests in aquatic ecosystems, database integration, and sustainable environmental practices.

Kalina Markovska, American College Skopje University, Macedonia

She is a student at the American University College in Skopje.

Downloads

Published

2026-02-24

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): Proceedings from the 9th Global Issues Conference

Section

Global Issues Conference Proceedings

License

The Global Partners in Education Journal (the “Publisher”) and the Author(s) agree as follows:

1. Author(s) hereby grant to Publisher all right, title, and interest in and to the Work, including copyright to all means of expression by any method now known or hereafter developed, including electronic format. If Publisher does not publish the Work within two (2) years of the Effective Date, copyright shall revert back to the Author. Publisher agrees to always credit Author(s) as the author(s) of the Work.

2. Publisher hereby grants Author a royalty-free, limited license for the following purposes, provided the Work is always identified as having first been published by Publisher.
    • The right to make and distribute copies of all or part of the Work for use in teaching;
    • The right to use all or part of the material contained in the Work in a book by the Author(s), or in a collection of the Author(s)’s work;
    • The right to use and distribute the Work internally at the Author(s)’s place of employment, and for promotion and any other non-commercial purposes;
    • The right to use figures and tables from the Work for any purpose;
    • The right to make presentations of material from the Work;
    • The right to use and distribute the Work on the Author(s)’s Web site and on the Author(s)’s university’s institute repository;
Such license shall be effective when the Work is first published in the Journal of Curriculum and Instruction.

3. The Author(s) represents and warrants that the Work: (a) is the Author(s)’s original work and that Author(s) has full power to enter into this agreement; (b) does not infringe the copyright or property right of another; (c) contains no materials which is obscene, libelous, defamatory or violates another’s civil right, right of privacy, or is otherwise unlawful; and (d) has not been previously published, in whole or in part. Author(s) shall indemnify and hold Publisher harmless against loss or expenses arising from breach of any such warranties.