Emerging Women Educational Leaders in Ghana: Preliminary Insights on Career Pathways and Professional Networks

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session Two
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT007 (Thursday)

Abstract

This research-in-progress explores the emergence of young women educational leaders in Ghana, a demographic often overlooked in sub-Saharan educational leadership studies. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 and SDG 5), the study investigates how women aged 20-40 attain school leadership positions and utilize professional networks to advance their careers. Using a qualitative design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observations of a leadership association for private school administrators. Preliminary analysis reveals three themes: familial mentorship, professional network support, and self-directed digital learning. These findings highlight evolving pathways to women’s educational leadership and underscore the link between local empowerment and global gender equity goals.

Author

• Ruth Boamah-Agyekum, Michigan State University