PERCEPTION OF FEMALE LEADERS IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING IN EKITI STATE

Abstract

To scholars, women in leadership positions have been stereotyped to be unfit and inexperienced to occupy traditional leadership positions unlike their male counterparts. A fundamental challenge to women's leadership arises from the mismatch between the qualities traditionally associated with leaders and those traditionally associated with women in general. Women in leadership positions are not treated equally with men in leadership positions ( Nick, 2007;Sayu, 2012 ). However, this research reveals the perception of Ekiti state female leaders in Higher Institutions on their leadership positions. Through interviews with selected female leaders in three higher institutions of learning, questions delved into how these female leaders see themselves in the line of their duties. The study tends to feel the pulse of female leaders about the leadership positions they are occupying since the impression they have about themselves matters a lot before considering other people’s perception about them.
 The study adopts quantitative methodology and gathered its data directly from personal interview as well as the use of questionnaire for its survey. Findings indicate that Nigerian Institutions of Higher Learning are increasingly becoming forerunners in gender sensitivity. Female Leaders admitted that they were given equal chances of leading their units and their rights were not denied them in their professions. However, there are few instances where their male counterparts, though subtly, discriminate against the female leaders and prove uncooperative probably, due to cultural background and beliefs in Nigeria which are still in favour of male leaders. The paper concludes that female leaders, through merit, stand an equal chance of being elected and selected leaders in an academic environment. The findings nullified the fears of women with academic excellence seeking leadership positions and suggested ways by which equity in leadership positions can be encouraged.