Bevorderingsmoontlikhede van vroulike skoolhoofde in sekondêre skole in die Noordwes- en Gautengprovinsie

Abstract

This study examined the promotion opportunities of a selected group of female principals in secondary schools in the North West and Gauteng provinces and also reflects on the promotion paths that the female principals had to walk. Leadership views were also addressed to form an overall picture of the female principal. In South Africa and worldwide, the under-representation of women in leading positions is an ever-present reality. There are several intrinsic and extrinsic challenges that women have to overcome in order to gain leadership positions. These challenges include, among others, stereotyping, social and cultural factors and women's perception of themselves. Their views and perceptions can be important for leadership from a female perspective. This study used seven secondary female principals as a sample, to determine how they achieved their positions and what challenges they had faced on their path to promotion. A qualitative study was followed to answer the primary and secondary research questions. Using the qualitative approach, the researcher sought to investigate the leadership views regarding the promotion paths of female principals in secondary schools in the North West and Gauteng provinces. The method of data collection was semi-structured interviews conducted with the female principals at the respective schools. Reliability of the data was ensured and data was transcribed and analysed. The study found that women do not have to possess masculine qualities in order to be good leaders and that their unique qualities and characteristics are to their advantage. To understand the leadership views regarding the advancement of women, five themes emerged in the study. The themes are school leadership: overview and female leadership, winding path to leadership, challenges: a mixture of perceptions, opportunities: a turnaround in education and COVID-19 and promotion. The study found that, despite numerous policies and legislation, women are still disadvantaged in terms of leadership positions. Women therefore need to work harder to gain recognition in the workplace. Establishing a balance between work and family responsibilities is also a major challenge and often prevents the woman from performing her duties effectively. It is also often the woman herself who does not want to apply for promotion positions due to her domestic and maternal duties. Women are let down by legislation and the effective implementation of policies and must therefore take responsibility for their own growth.