Title:
SO FEW WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS IN HIGHER EDUCATION , EXPERIENCES FROM A UNIVERSITY IN ZIMBABWE.

Authors:
G. N. Shava and Dr F. N. Tlou

Abstract:
In Zimbabwe and most probably the rest of Africa, the occupational and leadership status of women in higher education leadership is still suffering a wide gap as there is unequal representation in leadership positions between men and women. Although women have made substantial gains in higher education learning institutions, they have not achieved parity with men. Women in Zimbabwe higher education are particularly underrepresented at higher levels of leadership and the percentage of female executives decline with increasing organizational rank. Despite the fact that women constitute the majority of work force in universities in Zimbabwe, they remain poorly represented in high level leadership positions. Where women have attained high level leadership positions, they remain disadvantaged, their progress remain impeded due to parenthood responsibilities. Despite the fact that in Zimbabwe today women earn the majority of college and university degrees, they are less likely than men to experience benefits associated with leadership and promotion and they continue to represent a smaller proportion of leadership positions. This study derived from a qualitative case study undertaken at a university in Zimbabwe was conducted to establish challenges faced by women in higher education leadership. The research findings indicated that cultural and social barriers continue to grow and pose a formidable barrier to women in leadership positions. The researchers argue that organizational structures, parenthood and culture make it difficult for women to rise into higher levels in leadership positions.