Challenges facing female administrators in senior high schools in the Accra metropolis

Abstract

The study was to find out the challenges confronting women in educational administration in the country, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, where a sizeable number of them are found. It sought to investigate whether (i) female administrators in education are discriminated against, (ii) how they do manage their career and families and (iii) whether there are any effective support services provided for them to enhance their effectiveness, among others. The study was necessary due to the high level of concern for the issue of women in leadership positions, in recent times, in all fields, including education interviews, questionnaires and examination of official documents were used as the main instrument to collect data. Data was then subjected to both quantitative and non-quantitative analysis. One finding is that women face a myriad of challenges in managing schools that are entrusted to them. Among such challenges are abject discriminations based on traditional norms and practices or gender/stereotyped roles for women continue to militate against female administrators in education. It was recommended that gender advocacy groups such as churches and statutory bodies carry out seminars, workshops and other public awareness, campaigns to help eliminate the discrimination against women. Also special support mechanisms should be put in place to cushion women in leadership positions especially in education to enhance their effectiveness; this can be done in areas, such as provision of accommodation around duty point and provision of in-service training among others.