Sou Professora, Estou Gestora: Mulheres Líderes em Instituições de Ensino Superior

Abstract

Abstract Despite the higher proportion of women in higher education in Brazil, they are still disadvantaged in the workplace. This study aimed to understand the experiences of female leaders in Brazilian higher education institutions. For this, a phenomenological design using Comprehensive Narratives was used. The results were organized into three structuring axes: (a) I am a professor, I am a manager; (b) The relationship between work and personal life; and (c) Overcoming social and organizational paradigms. Teaching is considered a professional identity, with management and leadership being secondary. Despite their high qualification and cultural level, women still suffer from gender biases and barriers. Motherhood is one of the main dilemmas between professional and private life, however, support from the husband is a stress reliever. The question is whether women are less interested in taking on leadership roles or whether the combination of organizational, cultural, and social conditions limits their opportunities.