Shattering the glass ceiling: Actionable strategies for women's advancement to senior academic positions at a semi-metropolitan South African University
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38140/ijer-2025.vol7.2.18Keywords:
Gender equity, Gendered barriers, women's advancement, Glass Ceiling, women in academiaAbstract
Although advancements have been made in gender equality, women still occupy fewer senior academic positions, especially in semi-metropolitan universities. This research examines practical approaches to promote women's career advancement in universities, emphasising the institutional and systemic obstacles that impede their development, such as limited access to mentorship, bureaucratic funding procedures, and implicit gender biases. The research begins by framing the ongoing gender inequalities in academia, highlighting the necessity for targeted measures. The issue underscores the gradual progress of women in attaining leadership positions, even with current policies advocating for gender equality. An interpretivist research design was adopted for this study, employing a qualitative research approach with an explorative research design. The study was conducted at a selected university in Limpopo. Purposive and convenience sampling were used to select twenty female academics. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. Gender equity theory and feminist theories were applied in this study to challenge male-centric frameworks. Thematic analysis was employed to identify essential strategies for the advancement of women. offering workshops to improve leadership abilities, the significance of institutional support, the specific training necessary to prepare women for higher positions, and the relevance of gender-sensitive training in addressing implicit biases and workplace discrimination. The study's results carry important implications for university leaders and policymakers, highlighting the necessity for structured mentorship initiatives, policy changes, and resource allocation to enhance gender equity. By implementing these strategies, the university can help break the glass ceiling and foster a more inclusive environment in academic leadership.
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