Experiences of Women in Managerial Positions in the Education System. A Case Study of Selected Secondary Schools in Lusaka District, Zambia.

Abstract

In Zambia, the situation of women in positions of power remains a sensitive and controversial issue. Women are mostly subjected to preconceptions that place them in challenging situations. This study sought to explore the experiences of women in management positions, and to examine the hindrances that these women leaders encounter. Using a qualitative strategy, thirty five women in school management positions were purposefully sampled from the research field comprised of seven secondary schools located in Lusaka District. Questionnaires, interview guide and focus group discussions were utilized as tools to gather data. Findings revealed that women administrators have hidden talents and competencies, as they perform in an ethical manner using different leadership styles. Yet, as showed in the results, women administrators experience a number of challenges and hurdles that stand in their pathways or occur when performing their leadership roles. The current study advocates for getting rid of unnecessary and harmful prejudices that prevent women from arise in order to allow them to express their inner potential. Besides, this study suggests more women should come on board and share their experiences in management positions so that other women who may wish to join them have some ideas of where to start from. Therefore, is a need to empower women not only by bridging the gap that exists between men and women,