Social Justice and Social Justice Leadership in Higher Education Institutions: The Perception of Women and Persons with Disabilities

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed at exploring prevailing scenarios related to social justice and social justice leadership as perceived by women and individuals with disabilities. To conduct the study, interpretive phenomenological research method was employed. In doing so, ten participants, including women and people with disabilities were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data were also collected via semi-structured interviews and focus-group discussions. Thus, the research result indicated that participants were not so strange for the concepts related to social justice and social justice leadership albeit their understanding differed. Moreover, participants pointed out that community perception towards women and persons with disabilities are not so fair and progressive, and tailored policies and strategies are not made available and being implemented in the study context. It was also indicated that different forms of sexual harassments, classroom buildings, toilets, shower rooms, dining rooms and distances between classrooms and dormitories were enumerated as major inconveniences and reflection of injustices encountering women and people with disabilities in the study context. On top of this, unfair and unjust practices in areas of staff recruitment and promotion in the study context were major challenges identified in this research.