CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP POSITION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF BALE ZONE OROMIA REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

iThe purpose of this study was to assess contributing factors that hinder participation of women in school leadership position in secondary schools of Bale zone Oromia regional state. In order to meet the objectives of the study, descriptive survey design was used. The study involved 185 teachers, 12 principals and 6 vice-principals, as a source of information from 12-selected secondary school of the zone. The sample teachers were selected by simple random sampling techniques from the total of 304 teachers found in selected secondary school, whereas principals and vice-principals were selected by purposive sampling techniques. The data gathering tools employed was questionnaire and interview. The analysis was made by using descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, mean, and inferential statistics such as t-test for quantitative analysis. While narrative and thematic was used for qualitative analysis. The finding of the research revealed that, in most sampled secondary schools, the principals were male and women participation in leadership positions is very low. In addition, the finding of the study shows that, there were various major factors that hinder participation of women in school leadership positions. Those factors are social related factors, organizational related factors and women individual related factors like low perception for themselves. The study came up with the following conclusion: the reason of women’s low participation were like low perception of themselves, devaluation of women by the society, lack of women role models, dominance of male principals, fear of balance work, and lack selfconfidence are some of the reasons. The study was also recommended that, families and husband should positively accept female teacher’s leadership roles, should provide necessary support and motivation towards their success and resolve their obstacles that challenge their progress. It was also recommended that Woreda, Zone Education Offices and the Regional Education Bureau should build the women capacities by providng necessary leadership training for technical and professional support. Key terms: principal, position, Factors, Leadership, participation