Effectiveness of gender policies in the promotion of women leaders in universities: a case of Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study assessed the effectiveness of gender policies in the promotion of women leaders at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe, in 2013. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data were collected through key informants' interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires and document analysis. A comparative analysis of female representation in various university structures and committees in 2005 and 2013 was done. A total of one hundred and thirty-four (134) respondents participated in the study. Generally, this study found that leadership and decision-making have remained male dominated despite having the gender policy in place. Therefore, among other recommendations, the study recommends that the University Academic Appointment Board, chaired by the Vice Chancellor, should increase the annual incremental rate of deployment to allow more women to be appointed to leadership positions in the university.