Abstract:
In this article the authors inquire into the challenges of building a gender-responsive culture in higher education institutions, using the University of Buea (UB) as a case study.  It examines whether the creation of a Department of Women and Gender Studies makes any difference in the gendered culture at UB.  This paper does not analyse the gender policies and practices at UB, but provides the outcome of interviews conducted with administrative and academic staff.  Their dispositions and perceptions with regards to feminism and gender culture at the university are documented.  Mbongo and Ngaling maintain that there has been a need to address and assess gender issues on campus and attempt to investigate how the UB administration has addressed women's and gender concerns. They pose the following questions in this study: What are the measures that need to be put in place to close the gender gap on campus?; Do UB teachers consider feminism to be important as a programme in higher education?; Are UB teachers willing to support feminist activism?.  It is concluded that there is a positive perception of feminism as well as strong support for a gender-inclusive culture at the University of Buea, but provide recommendations for its implementation.     

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Mbongo Endeley, Joyce B.; Nchang Ngaling, Margaret (2007). Challenging gender inequality in higher education: attitudes of teaching staff and administrators at the University of Buea, Cameroon, Feminist Africa 9:63-84