Challenges and Enablers to Higher Education Leadership

Experiences of Women Leaders at a South African University

Abstract

Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions in Higher Education (HE) globally, including South Africa, despite gender equality policies and transformation agendas. However, some women can break through the “glass ceiling” and reach these positions. Hence, this qualitative case study explores the lived experiences of nine women leaders in a South African university to examine the barriers and enablers shaping their leadership trajectories. Data that was generated through semi-structured interviews. The Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach was applied to analyse the data. The findings revealed persistent barriers, including the need to continually prove competence to male colleagues, a lack of institutional support, and balancing family and professional responsibilities. Enablers such as affirmation from senior colleagues, professional networks, mentorship, supportive institutional cultures, and family support assisted the women in advancing to leadership. The findings revealed a disconnect between equity policies and everyday practices, emphasising the need for HE institutions to apply a dual approach: dismantling structural and cultural inequities while institutionalising programmes that build networks, mentorship, and inclusive leadership pathways to foster the presence of women in academic leadership positions.