Women Academicians' Career Growth and Leadership Position in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania

Abstract

Increasing gender access and equity to higher education in developing countries is important, but retention of the few women who persist, especially beyond the junior ranks and occupy leadership position is even more criticalin order to achieve this, creation of a more women-friendly professional environment in Tanzanian public universities is inevitable. This study is on Women Academicians' Career Growth and Leadership Position in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania. It employed qualitative inquiry to address the research objectives. The study interviewed ten women holding different high leadership positions in Tanzania public universities. Secondary data sources such as Gender Policy documents, other policies and guidelines on promotion criteria for Tanzania public universities and government reports on gender issues complemented the study. The data were analysed using content analysis. The findings indicate the main factors that lead women to take up leadership positions are such as to get information, involvement in decision making, to have required academic qualification, interest in leadership and eligibility criteria. It was also found out that Very demanding leadership responsibilities, organizational culture which is not supportive to women and gender policies which are not implemented as required by universities impede women academicians' career growth. It is recommended that the administrators at institutions of higher learning should create a more women-friendly professional growth environment. It is recommended further that women in senior academic positions should take their roles to influence gender policies that will create positive environments for women career and leadership growth. This can be achieved through trainings, workshops, mentoring and short courses.