Abstract:
Institutions of higher learning are still masculine-orientated; this creates a barrier for women in
terms of career advancement. To this effect women are under-represented in top academic
positions. The study employed qualitative research methods to explore factors that contribute to
the under-representation of women in senior positions at the University of Venda. A combination
of purposive and convenience sampling was used to select twenty five female academics (25).
Data was collected through primary and secondary data, semi-structured interviews were used
to elicit and illuminate women’s voices on issues that affect them and a thematic analysis was
used to analyse the collected data. The research findings demonstrate that the University’s
environment continues to be masculine-oriented within most of employment categories as well
as in academia where women struggle to thrive. Women face multiple challenges in ascending
the academic ladder which results in the under-representation of women in management and
academic levels. These challenges included: the stringent criteria for promotion which do not
seem to accommodate women, especially mothers, lack of female role-models, mentors and
networks. The second major barrier is the teaching work-load which poses difficulties for
women, preparations for teaching took long hours leaving them with no time for family,
research, publication, as well as to further their studies, which are necessary requirements for
promotion. The third major barrier women are faced with is the challenge of balancing multiple
roles - as students, workers and mothers. Balancing these multiple roles makes it difficult for
women to meet the highly stringent promotion criteria in the University
