Kenyan Female Lecturers' Ambitions for Leadership and Perceived Challenges

Abstract

Purpose: This study sought to determine whether there was a relationship between learned helplessness and the low involvement of women in leadership positions in higher education.  Methodology: All of the female lecturers at KU were the study's target audience. It used a descriptive survey design. 50 female lecturers representing all the university's academic departments were chosen using stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was used to gather the information. The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methodologies.  Results: The survey found that female instructors have high aspirations for leadership. They have shaky opinions about their possibilities of rising to positions of leadership, nevertheless.  Conclusion: Only two female professors, or 4.3 percent, have sought for leadership roles in higher education, despite the fact that they are competent for these positions.  Recommendations: The study also advised the university to conduct a survey to learn why women are underrepresented in leadership positions and to encourage leadership training programs for female academicians. The study recommended the government appoint more women in decision-making positions, such as parliament, and ensure compliance with gender equality as required by the constitution.