ASSESSMENT OF THE CHALLENGES AND PERCEPTION OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION BASED ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Women have for a long time been marginalized in matters of participation in leadership roles especially in learning institutions. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent of women participation in the management of secondary schools education in Makueni County. The objectives of the study were to determine the policies and guidelines that govern appointment of the public secondary schools management, the perception of education stakeholders on the efficiency and effectiveness of women leadership and the challenges women leaders face in school management. The study used survey design in which the principals, Heads of Departments (HoDs), teachers and students were targeted. The study also targeted Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASO). Stratified and random sampling method was used to select 36 principals, 3 QASOs, 24 HODs, 60 teachers and 48 students (prefects). The Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Data were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The study established that there were policies and guidelines which guided the appointments of secondary school principals. However, these policies and guidelines were not enforced and therefore the appointments were marred by corruption and lack of procedures in the appointments. The study revealed that women have leadership qualities just as men. Some of the challenges which the women leaders faced included balancing between family and work besides facing resistance from some male counterparts. The research recommends that the government through the Teachers Service Commission enforce these policies and guidelines to ensure that only those deserving get the appointments. The policy on the affirmative action should be enforced to ensure that more women are appointed to be principals of secondary schools. The government through the Teachers Service Commission should sensitize women to offer themselves for appointment in leadership positions. Stringent rules should be put in place to punish those refusing to take orders from their seniors just because they are female leaders.