Advancing Women into Leadership Positions in South African Educational Institutions: The Role of Education and Mentorship
This article examines the role of education in advancing women into leadership positions, addressing persistent gender disparities in decision-making roles. Despite global efforts to promote gender equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership, limiting diversity and innovation across sector...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Noyam Journals
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Education and Learning Technology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://noyam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/JELT2025645.pdf |
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| Summary: | This article examines the role of education in advancing women into leadership positions, addressing persistent gender disparities in decision-making roles. Despite global efforts to promote gender equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership, limiting diversity and innovation across sectors. Grounded in Feminist Theory, the article explored how education equips women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed for leadership success. Using a qualitative case study design, data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 20 female leaders, educators, and policymakers from South African institutions of higher learning, selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis revealed that access to education and mentorship programmes significantly enhance women’s leadership abilities, while societal norms and limited institutional support remain barriers. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, peer review, and triangulation, with ethical considerations including informed consent and confidentiality. The article recommends integrating leadership training into educational curricula and fostering partnerships between institutions and organizations to support women’s professional growth. This research underscores education as a key driver of gender equality and inclusive leadership development. The study aims to contribute to a better understanding of how educational systems can be reformed to support gender equality in educational development. |
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| ISSN: | 2720-7730 |