PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES OF WOMEN LEADERSHIP IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF DIRE DAWA CITY ADMINISTRATION, EHTIOPIA

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the problems Women leaders face in educational leadership in selected Primary Schools in Dire Dawa City Administration, to identify the strength and challenges, and provide possible recommendations to the problems identified. To attain this purpose, basic questions related to the extent of practice and challenges of women leaders in leading primary schools were made, views of teachers and higher authorities towards females’ educational leadership, challenges faced in the process and solutions that has been attended were set. Available literature suggests that balancing private and public life for working women with families can be taxing, especially for married women. The study used descriptive survey design. A sample population of the study were 87 teachers, 3 principals, 3 supervisors and 9 education bureau authorities involved in the selected primary schools in Dire Dawa. Data were collected from the respondents through questionnaires and analyzed with the aid of SPSS 20, using the appropriate statistical tools. And also interview was scheduled to determine and comprehend nature of practice and challenges of women leaders’ in educational leadership. Data were analyzed descriptively. The finding of the study revealed women leaders practice in the educational leadership and the challenges hinder them from advancement to higher leadership positions in public primary schools. It was also noted that women leaders were being ignored and their administrative influence is taken lightly, lack of support and cooperation, discrimination and stereotype attitude that was male dominated. The study concluded that if perception and attitude towards women leadership is not changed and empowerment of women is not tackled seriously, there is very little that could be achieved on the advancement of women leaders’ educational leadership practice. Finally, it is recommended that all the concerned personals should support and empower Women leaders to excel in their educational leadership practice