Women In Academic Leadership Positions in the University of Cape Coast

Abstract

The subject of women in educational leadership positions has recently gained significant attention, prompting this research to focus on identifying the challenges confronted by women in academic leadership roles specifically at the University of Cape Coast. Being a qualitative study, a case study design and an interview guide was employed to gather data from eleven academic females occupying leadership positions in the university. A census survey technique was used to obtain participants from the five colleges of the university. Data were analysed using thematic analysis techniques. The study revealed five prominent themes that contributed to the study‟s overall aim. The study found that women occupying academic leadership positions at the University of Cape Coast have multifaceted roles, encompassing communication, supervision, and evaluation. It was also revealed that the challenges encountered by women in academic leadership positions have negative influence on their work performance. Finally, the study found that networking, professional development, provision of support system and mentoring are some of the appropriate measures that could be adopted to curb or mitigate the occurrence of the challenges associated with women in academic leadership positions. In light of these findings, the study recommended that organisations involved in combating prejudice against women, such as churches and governmental agencies, organise seminars, workshops, and public awareness campaigns to help eliminate discrimination. Equally important is the provision of specialised support structures to empower women in academic leadership positions, particularly within universities, thereby enhancing their effectiveness.