An Exploration of Leadership Experiences and Challenges of Junior Female Managers in a Rural Hospital Environment, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

In spite of the golden age of women which was ushered in by the Berlin Conference of 1995, women continue to be disadvantaged when it comes to public participation, both in the public and private sectors of the society. On a global scale even when they are well-qualified and in spite of the mainstreaming of more women into public life, women remain discriminated against in terms of accessing leadership positions. Despite their positive contribution, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. The aim of this study was to explore on the experiences and challenges of junior female managers at Tshilidzini Hospital in Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Qualitative method was used because it enabled the researcher to gain in-depth information about the challenges and experiences of junior female managers at Tshilidzini Hospital. This study is exploratory in nature. The population of this study consisted of junior female managers. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the research participants for this study. Ethical principles were considered, to ensure maximum protection of the research participants in this study. Face to face interviews were used to solicit information on the experiences and challenges of junior female managers at Tshilidzini Hospital. Thematic data analysis method was used in this study. The study found that gender discrimination is still widespread in South Africa, despite of the availability of many gender equality policies. The study recommends that policy makers, various government departments and law enforcement agencies makers should strengthen the gender machinery, to ensure that women are not denied an opportunity to take up leadership positions.