Factors that Hinder Females from Accessing Senior Leadership Positions in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Solwezi District, Zambia

This study explored the factors that hinder females from accessing senior leadership roles in selected public secondary schools in Solwezi district. To achieve the research purpose, a qualitative approach was employed in order to undertake a direct exploration, analysis and interpretation anchored on a narrative research design. The study revealed that some women could not assume senior job titles owing to a low level of academic qualifications as well as a lack of administrative prowess coupled with inexperience. The study also revealed that some women fail to ascend to senior positions on account of endocentric patriarchal ideology which disregards the rights of women. The study therefore concluded that government authorities should construct inclusive identities with incentives that motivate different groups to embrace collective governance in senior leadership positions; this should be based on merit regardless of gender. The researchers recommend that societal and customary norms, beliefs and culture that prevent females from occupying decision-making positions should be discouraged.