Factors influencing women’s participation in the management of educational institutions

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the factors that contribute to the level of women participation in educational management in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region of Ghana. The research used descriptive survey design. The population for this study comprised all female teachers, heads of Senior High Schools and their Assistants and officers at the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Education Directorate. Questionnaire was used for the study. The sample size was 135 respondents comprising the Metropolitan Director, the four frontline Assistant Directors, the 10 heads of the Schools and their assistants and 100 teachers. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the Metropolitan Director, the Four Frontline Assistant Directors, all the ten heads of the Schools and their two assistants. Convenience sampling was used to select five female and five males’ teachers from each of the schools. The data analysis was done using descriptive statistics indicating frequencies, percentages and meanS. The study revealed that the low level of education among women contributes significantly to their low representation in the management positions of the Ghana Education Service in the Sekondi Takoradi metropolis. Also, traditional and cultural practices in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis contribute to the low level of participation of women in management positions in the Ghana Education Service in the metropolis. It was recommended that the Girl Child Education Unit of the Metropolis should embark on a more vigorous campaign by organizing regular seminars and workshops to educate parents on the need to educate their girl child. Career Guidance and Counseling Services providers in the Metropolis should make conscious efforts at encouraging females to take up leadership positions in the future.