POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS' PERCEPTION OF GENDER BIAS IN UNIVERSITIES IN GHANA

This research included 425 postgraduate students in Ghana, comprising 51.6% males, 45.7% females, and 2.7% who did not disclose their gender. The research examined a group of students enrolled in postgraduate programs in Ghana. A convenience random sampling method was utilized to reach respondents through an online survey conducted on the Microsoft Forms platform, distributed via WhatsApp groups. These platforms were employed due to their flexibility and the accessibility they provide to students based on their online presence. The study identified significant correlations between race and perceived gender bias. Black respondents exhibited a greater tendency than non-black respondents to foresee that females would face gender bias at university concerning discrimination, networking and mentoring opportunities, and socialization. In instances of university gender discrimination, black students reported experiencing a lesser impact compared to non-black students in terms of self-confidence, academic progression, academic satisfaction, and academic commitment. A potential explanation is that a greater proportion of black students have encountered various forms of discrimination, resulting in their heightened awareness of the continued prevalence of discrimination in multiple forms. Moreover, they exhibit a notable desensitization to acts of discrimination compared to non-black students. This represents a hypothesis and suggests further directions for future research. KEYWORDS: Gender bias; Postgraduate students; Racism; Universities in Ghana