WOMEN AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP POSITIONS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES IN TANZANIA

Abstract

Tanzania recognizes that gender equality and female empowerment are important for development of the country. Despite the government efforts in employment laws, policies and gender strategies to remove inequality, still there are under representation of female employees in senior leadership positions in many public sectors including Local Government Authorities. This paper aimed at examining factors that affect women's representation in top Administrative leadership positions in local government authorities in Mpanda District Councils. The study employed qualitative design to understand the barriers hindering female into top leadership positions. Mpanda District was used as a study case where by thirty (30) participants were selected purposively from senior positions, junior positions. Interview and focus group discussion methods for data collection were employed to collect primary data and secondary data were collected through documentary review. The study used thematic analysis in data analysis. The findings show that academic qualification, low selfconfidence, overburdens with domestic responsibilities, number of working days per year and poor institutional arrangements are among the challenges to have blocked women's penetration into top administrative leadership positions. Basing on the findings, its recommended that, there should be community mentorship at the family level to raise children with a mentality of equality, inspire young girls by inviting notable female leaders to address the students, encourage women and give them the chance for a higher degree, and provide frequent leadership training to young women in order to build their capacity. Generally, the study contributes to the addition of knowledge and literature on barriers facing women penetration in top leadership position which has been underresearched, specifically in Mpanda District