Women Progression In University Leadership: Exploration Of Enablers And Challenges

Abstract

The experiences of women working as academic leaders at public and private universities in Lahore, Pakistan, have been explored in this qualitative research with an interpretivist research paradigm. It aimed to study the enablers and challenges experienced by women academic leaders in the universities of Pakistan with reference to the society, organizations, families, and personal life. The population of the study includes women in formal mid to senior-level leadership roles, including Heads of Departments (HODs), Deans, Directors, Campus Coordinators, and other administrative roles, including the formulation of strategic plans and the implementation of policies. A sample of the study were 10 women academic leaders selected using convenience sampling who were interviewed through a semi-structured interview protocol. The qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The key findings indicate a variety of enablers and challenges that affect the women academic leaders. The major challenges faced by women academic leaders are their personal issues, including family background, lack of confidence, resources and time management. The study provides some suggestions for policies and future research to enable women to take part in leadership roles in higher education.