Gender parity in academic leadership in selected Southern African Universities: A critical analysis and reflection.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse and explain gender representation in academic leadership positions in selected universities in Southern Africa as well as to test how far the representation compares with global figures on gender representation in academic leadership positions. The study focused on leadership in faculties and departments only. Content analysis was used as the sole data collection method. Results of the study showed that there is very little if any, effort being put by universities to ensure gender parity in academic leadership positions. Most of the participating universities showed widening gaps between gender in terms of representation in academic leadership. Only one university (the University of Mauritius) has managed to turn around gender representation in academic leadership positions with specific reference to HOD positions where the university has more female HODs than male HODs. It is recommended that universities still need to do more than what is currently obtaining, to attract females into leadership positions.