Challenges Faced by Women in Higher Education Leadership Across Regions: A Systematic Review

• In Event: Topics on Gender and Women in Social Justice Leadership

Abstract

This study aims to examine the challenges facing women in achieving and maintaining leadership roles in higher education across regions, based on research published in the last five years. A systematic review of 75 articles published between 2019 and 2024 was guided by PRISMA (2020) for selection, inclusion, and exclusion processes. The selected articles included empirical studies that specifically addressed challenges or barriers encountered by women in postsecondary education. The findings indicate that despite global efforts very little has been achieved to improve the situation of women in higher education leadership. Women across regions faced myriad challenges, however, women from certain cultural and religious backgrounds reported additional unique obstacles.

Authors

• Azra Fanoos, University of Victoria

• Yuan He, Stephen F. Austin State University