CHALLENGES FACING WOMEN LEADERS AMONGST LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES IN TANZANIA
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Abstract
Efforts have been made worldwide to reduce gender parity in all aspects of life, by increasing accessibility and equity of women in various areas, decision making being one. Today, women occupy a relative amount of positions of power in the country, despite their number being small in such positions. However, women in decision making positions are faced by various challenges.Despite different research and efforts done by the Government of Tanzania and others, the situation is not promising. Generally, this study aimed at exploring the challenges faced by women leaders, their ability to cope, ways they engage in coping with the situation and suggest ways of reducing the challenges. The study employed a qualitative strategy, drawing from 10 in-depth interviews of women in decision making positions purposively sampled. Data were analyzed qualitatively based on categories and emerged major themes. The study revealed the following challenges; dominant masculine culture, negative attitude from subordinates, woman natural roles, low level of commitment and confidence, lack of time to socialize and networking.
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References
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