Exploration of higher education qualifications on women’s participation and appointment to decision making positions in public administration in Lusaka, Zambia.
Date
2024
Authors
Nsana, Sharon
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The success of development efforts depends on making women equal partners in all matters of the economy. Higher education, to be certain, by itself, is not a panacea but a necessary condition for the advancement of women in society. Through higher education, the journey towards participation in decision making power begins. Access to education is considered an important determinant of women’s appointment to decision making positions in public administration. This is because women’s increased education is positively associated with autonomy of decision making in different sectors of society. As such, women’s decision-making power increases when they are empowered with higher education. The main objective of this study was to explore the role that higher education qualification plays on women’s appointment to decision making positions in public administration. The sample for the study included 25 participants who were interviewed from various ministries in Lusaka. Both secondary and primary data were gathered for the study. Primary data was gathered using semi-structured interview guides and secondary data was obtained from documents such as journals, reports as well as websites. The research design used was a case study design. Non-probability sampling technique, using purposive and snow ball sampling methods were employed in the study. Data were analysed using thematic analysis by employing reflexive thematic analysis. Findings of the study revealed that despite women acquiring higher education qualification in Zambia, their appointment to decision making positions in public administration has not been achieved fully. Factors such as horizontal and vertical segregation were found to affect women mostly at institutional level and also were the reasons for the low numbers of women in decision making positions. Therefore, the study recommended that various stakeholders need to prioritize the importance of women’s participation and appointment by enacting and implementing laws, policies and regulations. Women also should be empowered with training and upgrading skills to better participate in decision making.
Description
Thesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies.