Attitudes of academicians towards gender equality at institutions of higher learning in South Africa.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes of academics in the institutions of higher. This paper postulates that Institutions of higher learning are still masculine-orientated, and this creates a barrier for women in terms of career advancement. The study employed qualitative research methods to explore factors that contribute to the under-representation of women in senior positions at universities in South Africa. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select twenty-five female academics (25). Semistructured interviews were used to collect data. Thematic analysis method was used to analyse the data. The findings demonstrate that the universities continue to be masculine-oriented within most of employment categories. Women face multiple challenges in ascending the academic ladder which results in their under-representation in management and academic position.