Women leadership in local government : an assessment of support by key stakeholders

Abstract

This report has established that women in leadership positions in local government experience similar barriers as other women leaders in the corporate sector despite the legislative, academic and political support provided by key stakeholders. As stated in Chapter 5, women in leadership positions managed and lead faced with prejudism emanating from social customs, informal institutional values, norms and cultures like in the private sector. This means that the findings on the study –Assessment of support by key stakeholders was note effective as it was envisaged. The study drew four key challenges that affected women in local government including limited support provided by the key stakeholders. Some recommended on possible interventions along these obstacles were outlined in chapter 5. These include: I) Legislation and training which were perceived to be non effective since “Attitudinal changes cannot be dictated, mandated and legislated” van der Colff (2004). II) Lack of Networks and Mentorships. III) Negative Attitude based on patriarchy and, IV) The need for Political Parties’ to reengineer that strategy in addressing women challenges.