The experiences of teachers with female leadership in Ekurhuleni South District, Gauteng

Abstract

This study focused on teachers' experiences with female school leaders; the challenges these leaders are facing in leadership positions, as they need to effectively manage their schools; as well as the possible solutions to these challenges. Three schools in Gauteng's Ekurhuleni South District were purposefully chosen as research sites. Participants the female principal’s, deputies, HODs and teachers. Data was gathered through individual interviews with all participants. According to the findings, the main challenges that female leaders face in managing their schools, are a lack of confidence in female leadership due to gender discrimination, a lack of support, favouritism, balancing work and home, and unfair procedures and labour practices with regards to the promotion of women. Possible strategies to minimise these challenges include the fostering of a positive attitude toward female leadership, a strong support system, empowering female leaders, and efforts to build good relationships with all stakeholders. Women principals discussed their strengths and challenges in context of their daily work experiences. The study discovered that women are their own motivators, which is a powerful enhancer. The overall findings of the study revealed that male and female teachers prefer female leadership, that they are aware of what their roles entail as set out in the PAM document, female leaders adopt democratic and pariticipative leadership styles in the corporate world.