Challenges and opportunities of women participation in leadership positions in assosa zone public institutions: benishangul gumuz region, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Women face challenges to participate in leadership position due to several factors. The purpose of the study was to assess the challenges and opportunities of women’s participation in leadership positions in Assosa zone Public Institutions. It was based on evidences that representation of women in leadership position was low, both in the country and in the institutions. Thus, this thesis aimed to identify possible strategy to increase women’s participation in all leadership position in Assosa zone public institutions. The study employed a descriptive type of research design. To attain this objective both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. The data was collected through interview and questionnaire with employee at different leadership position as well as with other employee who were not in leadership position; interview with gender and human resource office directors to identify the current gender practice and assessing the factor for minimal representation of women in management position of Assosa zone public institutions. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were employed. From the total sample size of 221, 91.5 % were responded. The study revealed that the current position of women in managerial position was minimal. Major factors for this were lack of delegation, educational gap, socio-cultural factors, gender stereotype, male dominance and dual responsibility of women. An opportunity for women better achievement on management positions includes qualification, political support, experience, affirmative action. Based upon the findings, the study suggested that there should be affirmative action, equal opportunity policy, elimination of gender stereotype, providing legislative and infrastructural support and special training program as necessary action to bring significant change in women participation in leadership position.