Die uitdagings wat vroue in bestuuren leierskapposisies aan primêre skole in die Ekurhuleni-streek ervaar

Abstract

In spite of the continued underrepresentation of women in management and leadership positions at primary schools in the Ekurhuleni region, some women do strive for these positions. Women face several internal and external challenges in reaching top positions. Their experiences and perceptions of leadership can be essential for understanding leadership from a female perspective. This study used four female primary school principals and three more participants at each school in management and leadership positions to determine how they achieved their positions, what challenges they had faced to achieve these and the c challenges they currently in these positions. In this research, a qualitative methodology embedded in the interpretative paradigm was used. The qualitative research strategy was phenomenological. Through the qualitative approach the researcher sought to investigate the personal experiences and views of female teachers in management and leadership positions. The method of data collection was individual semi-structured interviews based on the literature review. The interviews were recorded with an audio recorder and the reliability of the collected data was assured. The data were transcribed and analysed. The findings show that the so-called glass ceiling is an important issue because women need to work harder to get recognition in the workplace. The challenge of balancing work and family responsibilities influences the effective performance of the duties of women. A culture of discrimination and traditional myths regarding women occur as other challenges that women have to face. The findings show that gender inequality and leadership styles also hold challenges for women. It has been found that the women in leadership positions are very strong, dynamic women, who have worked hard to get where they are. There are women who do not want to hold management and leadership positions, but there are those who fight against all the challenges that arise to attain these positions. Women in management and leadership positions, especially the position of school principal, provide leadership and management in all areas of the school. This involves, among others, creating and supporting conditions in which high quality teaching and learning take place, promoting the highest possible standards of learner performance, promoting morale values and motivating the staff, promoting teamwork and creating opportunities for staff development.