Challenges of Female Students Academic Achievement: The Case of Debre Markos University

Abstract

Females have their own contribution in economic, political and social aspects of a country. Educated females are taking a lion share in a country’s development. In Ethiopia female students’ participation at university level is growing time to time. But, the numbers of female students who graduate from the universities are low compared with male students because of different challenges. This study was conducted with the objectives of to investigate the challenges of female students’ academic achievement in the case of Debre Markos University. To meet this objective the researcher employed on qualitative research approach with case study design method. The participants selected by using non probability sampling technique specifically purposive sampling. The data sources were primary data. Semi-structured interview and FGDs were used as a tool for collecting primary data. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis methods. The findings from the study revealed that female students are facing different challenges. Such as, institutional challenges like lack of special support, problem of academic advisor, lack of orientation, low facilities, instructors lack of teaching skills, crowded classroom, drastic life change, sexual harassment and personal challenges such as, poor socialization, lack of interest, low self-confidence, stress, poor study habit, lack of money, gender related problem, low follows up, poor language ability, lack of commitment. The study has concluded that female students are faced with many institutional and personal challenges. Based on the conclusion, recommendations are forwarded in line with the major finding of the study.