Career advancement experiences of African academic women working at the University of Limpopo, Medunsa campus

Abstract

African women in academia face various career advancement challenges. Employers’ support interventions need to be reinforced to promote an increase of African women in leadership positions. This study on the career advancement experiences of African women in leadership positions within an academic institution is exploratory in nature and based on the qualitative research method. The purpose of the study is to document the challenges, supporting factors, and strategies used by African women in academia in order to guide universities and the African women employed there who aspire to advance their careers. The data collection methods involved were in-depth interviews and a focus group. Purposive and snowball sampling methods in the form of convenience sampling were used to identify potential research participants. The sample for the study consisted of African women who were academics in leadership positions working at the Medunsa campus of the University of Limpopo. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The results of the study suggest that African women who are academics experience career advancement challenges. Such challenges include family demands and lack of leadership training. Family support and their dedication contribute towards their advancement. Leadership training programmes and supporting structures should be established to reinforce their advancement.