Shattering the Glass Ceiling Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5: Contributions of Women in Leadership in Selected Districts in the Central Region

Abstract

ABSTRACT Achieving gender equality and empowerment for all women and girls has been one of the focuses of the United Nation since the first Women Conference was held in Mexico City in 1975. As a result, several frameworks and policies have been drawn at national and international level meetings and conferences. From Millennium Development Goal 3 (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDGs), many governments, non-governmental organizations, private institutions and establishments have turned their focus towards working to help achieve gender equality. The purpose of the study is to describe experiences of women in leadership positions. Chris Argyiris (1970) Intervention Theory is the framework for the stud. I also explored their contributions, in terms of initiatives, activities, projects, policies and programs aimed at helping to achieve gender equality. The study also looked at challenges women in leadership encounter in their quest to help achieve gender equality. The study employed epistemology paradigm, qualitative approach and an exploratory research design. In-depth interviews were conducted, relevant literature were explored and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. It was found that respondents prior to their leadership status experienced inequality in gender roles and socialization, education, job opportunities and leadership. Contributions of women in leadership to help achieve gender equality included advocacy, training women on leadership skills, organize gender-sensitive workshops, research and counseling as well as providing mentorship for women and girls. It was also found that respondents encounter challenges such as geographical/ environmental factors, artificial barriers in marriage, same-sex marriage and financial constraints in their study. The study recommended that, since empowerment greatly deals with the financial strength of women, the government should set up a common fund that women in leadership at the local level could access to help them in their initiatives and programs.