Women's Leadership in South African Higher Education: A Systematic Review of Research Trends, Methodological Approaches, and Transformation Challenges (2010-2024)
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https://doi.org/10.52380/ijcer.2025.12.1.736Keywords:
Women's leadership, Higher education, South Africa, Gender equity, Institutional transformation, Academic leadership, Systematic reviewAbstract
This systematic review examines research trends on women's leadership in South African higher education from 2010 to 2024, analyzing 98 academic works comprising 15 doctoral dissertations, 28 master's theses, and 55 journal articles. Using content analysis, the study identifies key themes, methodological approaches, and findings related to women's leadership advancement in academia. The analysis reveals five primary themes: leadership experiences, institutional transformation, leadership development, power and decision-making, and intersectionality. Results indicate a significant increase in research output during 2020-2024, comprising 60% of all studies. Qualitative methodologies dominated the research landscape (60%), while mixed methods approaches were least utilized (15%). Major findings highlight persistent institutional barriers, gaps between policy and implementation, resistance to cultural transformation, and inadequate enforcement of gender equity policies. The review identifies critical research gaps in rural institutions, technical universities, and departmental-level leadership experiences. Recommendations emphasize the need for longitudinal studies, diverse methodological approaches, and stronger policy implementation mechanisms to advance women's leadership in South African higher education.
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