Challenges Met by Women Administrators in Public and Private Agencies

Abstract

This research focuses on the challenges met by women administrators in public and private agencies. Specifically, it sought to: (1) determine the profile of the respondents that posed challenges in their workplace; (2) find out the work-related challenges met by women administrators on (a) promotion issues, (b) sexual and mental harassment, (c) family care issues; and (d) community involvement. A purposive sampling method was applied involving floating questionnaires and conducting face-to-face interviews to collect data. The respondents consisted of 124 public and 124 private agencies and women administrators in the 5th district of Pangasinan province, Philippines. Findings showed that most of the respondents belong to early adulthood, are married, with lesser children, and all hold a bachelor’s degree, are now in their corresponding positions, and continue to improve and develop their expertise by attending seminars and training for best job performance. The majority got the promotion on a merit basis, with equal time, and performed work as much as their colleagues. Most did not experience sexual and mental harassment issues such as sharing sexually inappropriate images or videos, anecdotes, gestures, lewd jokes, and touches. Most of them are not granted workplace privileges such as benefits for full maternity leave, and special leave, also some turned down promotions, are not permitted an official time for travel or pass slip when a medical check-up is scheduled during working days, and to reduce their work hours to care children/family members and to attend to their activities. Most are productive by dedicating their time to their jobs, depriving them of the opportunities to engage in various community activities such as job-related events, membership to registered organizations, livelihood, and non-government programs, and clean-up drives.