Factors contributing to female educators' underrepresentation in school management positions in Lulekani Circuit, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Literature shows that women remain underrepresented in management positions in South Africa. While several studies have been conducted on the subject of the causes of underrepresentation of women in such positions, most of these studies tend to ignore the views of males. This article explores the views of educators (both male and female) with regard to the underrepresentation of female educators in management positions at primary schools in the Lulekani Circuit in the Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The researchers collected data via semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 20 participants from five primary schools in this circuit. The results revealed that the underrepresentation of female educators in management positions is influenced by many factors. The fact that most, if not all, of these barriers affect women in different countries, cultures, and socio-economic contexts suggest the need for collective efforts to combat them.