Abstract:
The role and contribution of women in modern organisations have been phenomenal.
However, societal norms and other patriarchal values continue to stifle the progress of
women leaders. The overall purpose of the study was to examine the challenges and
coping strategies of women in leadership in the Senior High Schools in the Cape
Coast Metropolis. The study adopted non-numerical data and used purely qualitative
research approach. Phenomenological design was used to support the study
framework where the required data were collected through interviews. The target
population for the study were female headmistresses and assistant headmistresses in
the various Senior High Schools in the Metropolis. The study used involved all six
female headmistresses and eight assistant headmistresses in the Metropolis. The
participants were sampled using the census to meet the study objectives. The data
were analysed thematically. The study revealed that no policies or programmes were
in place to discourage women from enhancing their careers as women. However, in
spite of the aforementioned provisions, there are few mentors occupying such
positions and there are no training programmes available to train females who are
interested in occupying leadership positions. It is recommended among many that
Ministry of Education and Ministry of Gender and Social Protection provide policies
that would enhance women capacity and skills towards leadership positions, the
Ghana Education Service should design policies aimed at protecting women leaders
from men egoism and insubordination by introducing strong punishment for those
found culpable.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Social Studies Education,
Faculty of Social Science, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Social Studies Education)
in the University of Education, Winneba
APRIL, 2019