OSNAŽIVANJE STUDENTICA U VISOKOM OBRAZOVANJU: PREVAZILAŽENJE RODNIH NEJEDNAKOSTI U AKADEMSKOM SAMOPOUZDANJU I PROFESIONALNIM ASPIRACIJAMA
EMPOWERING FEMALE STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: OVERCOMING GENDER INEQUALITIES IN ACADEMIC CONFIDENCE AND PROFESSIONAL ASPIRATIONS

Summary/Abstract: This paper explores the position of female students in higher education through the analysis of gender inequalities in academic confidence and professional aspirations, focusing on factors that contribute to these differences and opportunities for empowering female students. The research was conducted on a sample of 280 students from four faculties at the University of Banja Luka, using a mixed methodological approach. The quantitative part of the research included the application of two validated scales, while the qualitative part encompassed 4 focus groups with 32 participants and interviews with 15 members of the teaching staff. Results show that, despite equal or better academic achievement, female students demonstrate significantly lower academic confidence compared to male students, especially in STEM disciplines, where the effect size exceeds 1.0. This inequality in confidence is associated with lower professional aspirations and decreased likelihood of applying for leadership positions, which is confirmed by the research results showing that academic confidence is the strongest predictor of professional aspirations (β=0.43, p<0.001). Key factors contributing to this phenomenon were identified: stereotypical messages in the academic environment, lack of female role models among teaching staff, unconscious biases in grading and advising, and differences in student interactions during classes. The paper concludes that higher education institutions can significantly contribute to empowering female students through implementing targeted interventions that address the identified barriers, including mentorship programs, changes in pedagogical practices, awareness and education of teaching staff, and the promotion of a growth mindset among female students.

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