A study to determine factors that perpetuate gender imbalance in the Ministry of Education: A case of Chipata, Petauke and Nyimba Districts
Date
2015-04-20
Authors
Banda, Joseph L
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Abstract
Women in the Ministry of Education are left in subordination. This is noticed through lower positions occupied by them at their places of work where most top positions are occupied by men. This study was undertaken to determine factors that perpetuate gender imbalance among workers in leadership positions.Data was collected from 30 members of staff at Chipata, Petauke and Nyimba Districts, 10 at each district using questionnaire which included both closed and open ended questions. Reports from the 3 districts were reviewed to ensure the validity of the data collected. Data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study found out that women suffered marginalisation in as far as key senior positions in the Ministry of Education (MOE) are concerned. Most women occupied junior positions such as DRCC, typist. Human Resource Officer, Registry Clerk and other lower position
Cultural, stereotypes, inadequate educational attainment, women's negative self-image as some of the factors that leave women in positions of subordination.
The study recommended the following:-
1.Society should be educated and sensitized about the rights and responsibilities of women.
2.policy makers should ensure the involvement of communities in identifying the obstacles to women's participation in decision making and the advantages if they got involved.
3.women must be empowered with assertiveness skills and an education they are not embarrassed with to make positive contribution to society.
4.there must be efforts to de-culturalise the women in areas where their behaviour destroys rather than building up in the nation in respect to women participation in decision making.
5.women must be exposed to leadership and decision making skills through training and must themselves keep fighting for recognition at all levels of national development - political, social, economic, cultural and religious levels.
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Keywords
Women-Employment, Zambia , Women-Education-Zambia , Sex Discrimination in Employment-Zambia