Challenges Facing Women In Management Positions In The Higher Education Institutions In Tanzania: A Case Of The University Of Dodoma

ABSTRACT

This study, was conducted to investigate challenges facing women in management

positions, in the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Tanzania, taking the

University of Dodoma as a case study. The specific objectives of this study were to

determine how women entered in management positions, to evaluate the level of job

satisfaction, to understand the perceptions of people towards women in management

positions and to identify challenges encountered women in management positions.

To achieve the objectives of the study a cross-section research design was grounded

on a qualitative approach, which was used. Various tools of data collection were

employed including questionnaire and the interview guides. The method of data

analysis used for this study was SPSS and content analysis and presented in form of

tables as well enhanced by a narrative explanation to bring out salient themes.

The study has found out that, women in management positions at the university of

Dodoma entered in the management system through a searching process basing on

their merits, and were also satisfied, happy and proud working for the institution.

Despite of all these women faced a number of challenges namely:- family and work

responsibilities (Malt task), psychological factors, a few number, recognition and

social and cultural stereotyping.

Hence, the study recommends that, there was a need for the university management

to encourage women to aspire to management positions by providing them, with the

opportunities and formulating specific policies such as affirmative action.