Abstract
Even though female teachers in Kenya municipal primary schools are majority and highly qualified, they fill fewer administrative positions than men. This study assesses the extent of women's participation in leadership positions, society's perception of female leaders, selection criteria of educational administrators, and barriers that affect or hinder them from participation in leadership positions. Findings of this study reveal that gender socialization, beliefs in meritocracy, and the influence of patriarchy create a cycle of discrimination that disadvantage women in career advancement. Further, the existence of gender barriers disproportionately harms women’s advancement to senior positions of school administration. Finally, the study proposes remedial solutions to improve their involvement and participation in educational leadership. Key words: Teachers, positions, primary schools.
Highlights
The expansion of educational opportunities in Kenya has contributed to the increased proportion of women entering the paid workforce
Women represent the majority of teachers in these countries, they occupy the lower ranks of the profession and are generally controlled and supervised by men
Women continue to be well represented in low-status teaching jobs, while men dominate the powerful positions of school management (Wilson, 1997; Regan and Brooks, 1995; Compton and Sanderson 1990; Acker, 1994)
Summary
The expansion of educational opportunities in Kenya has contributed to the increased proportion of women entering the paid workforce. As is the case in Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada the majority of teachers in Kenya municipal primary schools are female. Studies by Wilson (1997) in many developed countries, women form the highest proportion of elementary and secondary school teachers. Women represent the majority of teachers in these countries, they occupy the lower ranks of the profession and are generally controlled and supervised by men. Women continue to be well represented in low-status teaching jobs, while men dominate the powerful positions of school management
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