Challenges and Opportunities Of Women Leadership In Secondary Schools Of Toke Kutaye Woreda, West Shoa Zone

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess challenges and opportunities of women’s leadership in secondary schools of Toke Kutaye woreda, West Shewa Zone. A set of questionnaire was prepared, pilot tested and administered to a sample of 160(8 principals and 152 teachers)respondents. In addition to the aforementioned sample population, four woreda education office experts and one supervisor were selected purposively for interview. Besides, focus group discussions were held with 24 women teachers of the selected secondary schools.. The collected data were summarized and analyzed using descriptive statistics like percentage, frequency, mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics like t-test with the help of SPSS 24. The finding of the study revealed that perception of women towards leadership was not on good status. Most of the women teachers have negative perception towards leadership of secondary schools. For instance, the women underestimate their abilities, they perceive themselves as less skillful and passive in leadership, and the women consider themselves as they have low level of acceptance than men. The study also confirmed that challenges of women’s leadership were misperception of teachers and other stakeholders, lack self-confidence, lack of aspiration or motivation to be represented in secondary school principal ship, the patriarchal societies, the women lack counseling, encouragement, and support from partners and women over burden of domestic responsibility. The finding of the study indicated that there were opportunities that would have encouraged women to become principals for secondary schools. Women principals have the chance to upgrade their educational level, pre job and on-job trainings, availability of mentors and affirmative actions. However, these opportunities were not used and implemented effectively. The study concludes that the participation of women leadership in secondary school found to be low. Therefore, it is recommended that giving awareness, provide training and enhancing affirmative action plays a crucial role in improving the challenges and opportunities of women’s leadership.