Barriers faced by female educators when applying for promotional positions in schools

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate barriers that female educators face when applying for promotional positions in education. This study was based on pragmatic paradigm, mixed method research design and approach. In view of the research design of this study, two types of sampling methods were used in the study, namely; purposive sampling which was used in the qualitative study and simple random sampling, which was used in a quantitative study. In this study, the qualitative sample consisted of five principals, five teachers and five School Governing Body (SGB) chairpersons and the quantitative sample consisted of 25 educators. An unstructured interview method was used to collect qualitative data and the data collected were analysed qualitatively by means of thematic analysis method. Face-to-face questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data and the data collected were analysed quantitatively by means of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). The analysis of data is presented in four sections, namely, the analysis of data collected from (a) principals (b) teachers (c) School Governing Body (SGB) and (d) deputy principals and heads of department. The research results were analysed and interpreted by means of frequency counts, which were translated into charts and tables. The findings of this study revealed several barriers to management positions, for example, domination by men, lack of leadership and management skills, lack of self-confidence, corruption in the schools, discrimination and women do not want to work far from their children or homes. These barriers are a burden to women because they become demoralised, demotivated and bitter. This study will assist in removing the barriers faced by women when applying for promotional positions and improves their positions in schools. I therefore recommend that this study be used to serve as a guideline and a document that can be referred to in order to address the barriers and all the imbalances mentioned in all the chapters. Women also should be given a fair chance to prove their ability and potential as managers in schools.