Challenges faced by women in leadership positions : a case study on selected government departments in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Women in the workplace are hindered by a patriarchal system that has been transferred from domestic society to the working environment. This patriarchal system has not yet accepted leadership by women, consequently there is a diminished percentage of women in executive positions. Therefore, fundamental attitudinal transformation is required in the workplace to dislodge the patriarchal system that currently prevails. The government has already created the required legislative framework of rules and regulations. This framework now needs to be implemented in a practical, visible and tangible manner. The aim of this study is to examine the challenges encountered by women in leadership positions within selected government departments in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. To minimize the challenges faced by women leaders the policies of the government must be firmly, and consistently, applied in the workplace environment. This will result in fair and equitable treatment for all, thus levelling the playing fields for women. The research employed a qualitative research approach for the study. The research design allowed the respondents of the study to furnish in-depth, and fact-based, experiences. Questions were posed to individual respondents regarding the challenges faced by women in leadership positions within the selected government departments. The data was analysed to extract specific findings. Data analysis was done by means of thematic analysis methods. Themes and sub-themes emerging from the study were classified to understand the data. The research found that, despite the government’s legislative interventions to address inequality, and other challenges encountered by women leadership, there is still evidence of discriminatory practices being visited upon women in the workplace. Based upon the conclusions and findings that emerged from the research, the study made recommendations to address the challenges that were identified as impediments facing women holding leadership positions within selected government departments in KZN, South Africa.