Received:
2026-05-18 | Accepted:
2026-08-21 | Published:
2026-09-30
Title
Experiences faced by female student leaders in traditionally male-dominated leadership roles at a selected South African university
Abstract
This paper explores the experiences of female student leaders in traditionally male-dominated leadership roles at a selected South African University. Given the gender differences often present in leadership positions in higher education, this paper aims to examine the challenges these student leaders face, the strategies they employ to overcome obstacles, and the impact of their leadership on the university community. The paper used a qualitative research methodology. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, as the researchers deemed them knowledgeable about the problem under study. The researchers utilised 5 female student leaders who hold prominent leadership positions in various student organisations, including student government, academic societies, and cultural groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to probe participants' responses and gather data. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse data. Findings of the paper show that although female student leaders encounter many difficulties, such as stereotyping, discrimination based on gender, and a lack of institutional support, they also show resiliency and flexibility in overcoming these barriers. This paper highlights the need for inclusive policies and support systems at a selected university and advances our understanding of leadership dynamics in a gendered setting. The paper concludes that targeted mentorship, gender-specific training, and inclusive policies are crucial for empowering female student leaders and fostering an equitable leadership environment. Recommendations include establishing mentorship programs, facilitating networking opportunities, and reviewing organisationalorganisational policies to address gender biases. This research offers valuable insights into gendered leadership dynamics in South African higher education, underscoring the need for institutional reforms to promote diversity and gender equality in student governance. It underscores the importance of supportive environments in enabling women to realise their leadership potential and advance social justice in academic settings.
Keywords
male-dominated spaces, gender-diverse leaders, leadership positions, higher education
JEL classifications
I20
, I30
URI
http://jssidoi.org/ird/article/278
DOI
Pages
211-224
Funding
This is an open access issue and all published articles are licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
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