Women Leaders Resilience Amid Challenging School Environments: A Call for Support

Abstract

The genesis of resilience in leaders lies in grit and strength to drive institutional objectives, even amid challenging environmental issues. Women leaders, particularly in schools, remain determined to drive prescribed agenda towards improvement. Success in overcoming any impediments relies on the provision of support and consideration of leaders’ wellbeing. An interpretivist approach was employed to explain the voices of women leaders in determining support given amid challenging school environments. In-depth interviews were conducted with five women leaders in Tshwane South District, Gauteng province. Results show that women leaders are determined to show resilience by delivering on the core business of their work. They also face unique challenges in difficult environments whilst lacking the kind of support that promotes their wellness. Hence, the recommendation for the DBE is to offer them structured support.