Factors influencing career paths and progress of Kenyan women in sport leadership

Abstract

Very few women hold positions of leadership in sports organisations. This study examines factors influencing career paths of women in sport leadership positions in various organisations in Kenya. Leaders included coaches and sport administrators in educational institutions and officials in national sport organisations. The feminist theory framework was used to examine women’s journeys into leadership positions. Thirteen participants were purposively selected from various schools and sports organisations. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews that were conducted over a period of two months. Data were analysed thematically. The findings of this study revealed profiles of the women to be as follows: over 40 years old, had children, had participated in competitive sports, were highly educated, and were from diverse areas of careers. Since women constitute a significant portion of the social and human capital in Africa, there is need for leadership development programs to equip women with skills to enable them assume new responsibilities in the society. Also, education can be used to influence patriarchal expectations of women in positive way- allowing organisations to attract and retain women in leadership positions.