“In the past, men had more access to university, but that has changed,” tells Universidade de São Paolo student, Vic Baquini. “Now there is a big problem with ethnic [and economic] diversity. There has recently been discussion about creating quotas for Black, Indian and public high school students.”

In Cameroon.

  • 5 % of the college-age population is enrolled in university
  • 6 % of the college-age male population is enrolled in university
  • 4% of the college-age female population is enrolled in university

According to the trends of the developing world, a university education is the key to building strong nations. University of Ngaoundéré graduate, Paulina Houma, describes university campuses as “lightning rods” for sociopolitical and cultural debate, and a place where women are finding an essential platform for expression.

Investment in students of both genders is improving, but the brain drain, or migration of intelligent students from Africa to Europe and North America, is a major roadblock to community development. “People think it’s better to travel so far to find [the career] they want,” says Houma. “Cameroon is losing well-educated people who could do something for their country.”

College around the world certainly has its cultural and circumstantial differences, but, like their American counterparts, industrious women on all continents are making their mark on the university scene—carving out careers, dealing with financial problems and enjoying the fun of on-campus camaraderie. After all, it is a small world.

Statistics from UNESCO.

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