Abstract:

Workplace discrimination of women in leadership is a serious concern in the education sector of South Africa, specifically in the Limpopo Province. The purpose of this study was to investigate challenges faced by women who are discriminated to be promoted in higher positions by their male counterparts in their workplaces with the view to suggest possible solutions. The study followed a mixed method research approach which incorporates the relative strengths of quantitative and qualitative designs. From the population of 100 participants who completed the questionnaire, 4 principals, 4 circuit Managers and 2 senior district managers were sampled to be interviewed in the study. Data was collected through focus group interview. Feminists Theory framework that viewed the workplace discrimination of women in leadership as being the result of an imbalance of power between males and females was used in the study. Thematic approach was used to analyze data. The study found that in Limpopo women provided leadership during their acting capacity but when coming to real appointments they were disadvantaged. Moreover, the study revealed most of them showed the signs of bitterness, anger, frustrations and disappointment. The study recommended extensive monitoring of workplace discrimination of women in leadership. Furthermore, it was recommended that employment legislations be followed to the latter during recruitment, selection and appointment processes.

Keywords:

Workplace, discrimination, women, leadership, schools, circuit, district.