Gender Distribution and Challenges of Women in Leadership: The Case of Ruvuma Region.

Mdede, Geofrey Leonard (2022) Gender Distribution and Challenges of Women in Leadership: The Case of Ruvuma Region. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

In recent years some women have achieved higher education and win leadership positions, however, they face several challenges which limit their advancement of leadership carrier. This study sought to determine gender distribution in leadership and challenges experienced by women leaders in Regional and District Secretariats in Ruvuma region. The study used multiple case study design and it was conducted in Ruvuma region involving council secretariat members. A total of 41 women were involved and they were selected through purposive sampling technique. Questionnaires were used in data collection. Qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis while quantitative data were analysed through SPSS software version 25. The findings of the study revealed that the proportion of women leaders in district councils is low (31.5%). Women leaders still experience some challenges that affect them in fulfilling their duties such as negative attitudes from community members and subordinates as well as lack of support from their spouses. It was further revealed that women overcome leadership challenges through working hard, furthering their education, on job training, increasing confidence as well as using their mentors and role models. The study recommends that the government should support more initiatives in minimising gender inequalities in leadership positions in order to achieve 50/50 from the existing 31/ 69. Lastly, studies of this nature should also be carried out in other organisations so as to identify gender gap as an initiative to implement 50/50. Keywords: Women Leadership, challenges faced by women in working places .

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