• Emmanuel Dumbuya

This study examines the barriers to female participation in higher education at Njala University, Sierra Leone, while providing a conceptual and theoretical framework for understanding these dynamics. It highlights the critical importance of gender-sensitive policies and practices in promoting educational equity. The study employs liberal feminist theory and looking-glass theory to analyze the factors influencing female students' academic performance, retention rates, and engagement. Findings suggest that addressing cultural norms, socioeconomic barriers, and institutional policies can significantly enhance female students' educational outcomes and contribute to broader goals of gender equality and economic development.

Gender equality; higher education; female participation; Njala University; liberal feminist theory; looking-glass theory

"Gender Equality in Higher Education: A Framework for Enhancing Female Student Participation ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no.b813-b820, December-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2412180.pdf

"Gender Equality in Higher Education: A Framework for Enhancing Female Student Participation ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no. ppb813-b820, December-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2412180.pdf