Challenges of women in educational leadership position in Tano north municipality of Ahafo region, Ghana

Abstract

The study explored the challenges of women in educational leadership position in Tano North Municipality, Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. This was a qualitative study which employed case study design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 20 participants comprising 15 women in educational leadership position and 5 of their subordinates for the study. Semi-structured interview guide (for women in educational leadership positions) and the focus group discussion guide (for their subordinates) were the instruments used for data collection. The data was analysed using thematic approach. The study found that women in educational leadership positions adopt the democratic leadership style in their administration even though they make use of autocratic leadership style at times. It emerged that some teachers do not accord female heads the necessary respect due to their culture, religious background and perception about women in general. Also, the problem of heavy workload associated with their new positions posed challenges to women in educational leadership position. It was established that mentoring, professional development coupled with leadership and administrative support help women in leadership positions to excel. It is recommended that Tano North Municipal Education office and other gender-based organizations should periodically organize leadership training programmes for women to prepare them professionally for leadership position