Aynalem Megersa (PhD)Addisu Yilhal2024-06-272024-06-272023-11https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/3242This study examines how grassroot student-led networks can be a pathway to achieve gender equality. The study focuses on three purposively selected grassroot student-led networks and analyzes their hierarchical and flat structures, decision-making practices, and gender role stereotypes. The study also investigates how these networks identify themselves as feminists and gender justice activists. The results show that although these networks face internal and external challenges, they have the potential to serve as a pathway for the realization of gender equality if they receive technical and financial support from various stakeholders. The study concludes that grassroot student-led networks are prudent task forces that challenge the fundamental constructs of gender inequality at the grass root level.ensocial identityself-identificationstudent-led networkcollective actionpathwaygender equalityequity/welfarefeminism.Thesis