Student: Ismael Shipanga
Degree: M.Ed.
Supervisor: Dr Clarence G Williams
Proposed Topic: The under-representation of the female educators in school principal positions in the Oshikoto region of Namibia
Abstract: While women outnumber men in teaching positions in Namibia, very few occupy the position of school principal. For many years male educators have and are still dominating these positions. This is the case despite the efforts made by the government to ensure that female representation is achieved at all post levels in schools. This means that the huge leadership potential female educators at the level of school principals remain largely untapped. Having been a colleague to many highly qualified, competent and experienced female educators in the Oshikoto region, I am motivated to investigate why female educators are not being promoted to these positions. The main aim of the study is to identify the causes for the under-representation of female educators in relation to male educators. Derived from this main aim are the following objectives: to determine the challenges faced by female educators when trying to become school principals; to understand how the processes of recruiting, selecting and appointing of educators to the position of school principal are carried out in relation to the existing labour laws and policies that aim at promoting equality and equity in the Namibian workplace; and lastly to suggest possible recommendations to address the existing imbalances. It is anticipated that this study will conscientize policy makers, school governing bodies and educators in general regarding the challenges that have resulted in the under-representation of the female educators in school principal positions in the Oshikoto region of Namibia.
The underrepresentation of women in leadership position is an international phenonenon. Much has been written on the topic from a developed world perspective. However, the topic has been sorely neglected in the African context, and especially the Namibian context. It is foreseen that the survey of international literature on the topic will provide a theoretical framework within which the research will be conducted.
It is envisaged that the study will primarily employ a qualitative research methodology. Data for this study will be collected by means of interviews and questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with the regional education director, the education inspectors of selected circuits in the region, some of the current female and male principals in the region and the representatives of the teachers’ unions. The interviews will vary according to the interviewees’ roles and positions in the region. A questionnaire survey will be conducted with female and male teachers from a sample of schools with female and male principals.
Key words: gender equality, gender equity, employment profiles, under-representation, discrimination, labour acts, affirmative action, employment targets, male school principals, female school principals
