Women and reciprocity in the international school sector: A case study of hope in a South Asian context

• In Event: International Studies SIG Structure Poster Session

Abstract

The most recent UNICEF report identified the continued lack of representation of women in school leadership at global levels. While this has been extensively documented within national frames of reference, there is a dearth of literature addressing the nuances of women’s leadership in the international education context. This paper shares the narrative of a South Asian woman principal, who established and developed an international school in Bangladesh, to explore how the lack of reciprocity within the international school sector continues to impact the hopeful leadership practice of women in her position. The case study is drawn from a larger project investigating school leadership in Bangladesh, and contributes to our understanding of the place of hope in women’s work in education.

Author

• Nicola Sum, Monash University