Issues and challenges faced by female principals in the management of primary schools: A case study of selected schools in Oluno circuit - Oshana region

Abstract

School leadership in Namibian schools is the function of the school principal. The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify the issues and challenges faced by female principals in the management of primary schools and to suggest strategies for coping with the challenges. The study was conducted in Oluno circuit of Oshana region. The target population in this study was the female principals, teachers, school learners and the Inspector of Education (Quality Assurance Officer) Oluno circuit. Oluno Circuit has 28 schools, of which six (6) are headed by female principals. The researcher used questionnaires and interview guides for collection of data. The data obtained was both quantitative and qualitative. The information was presented through tabulation and graphs. The study revealed that 73.3% of the teachers and 62 % of the learners liked the way the female principals managed the school. 51.2% of the learners indicated that they are able to approach female school principals. On the teachers’ perceptions towards the female school principals, 66.7% of teachers indicated that they are positive towards female school principals. The following conclusions were drawn; female principals are positively viewed by their teachers and are approachable by the school learners since they encourage them to work to attain their goals in schools. Female principals are effective in the management of schools since they are able to follow the laid down policies hence achieve the goals of their institutions. Cultural and social barriers interfere with the management of school affairs. The study recommended that since female principals were positively viewed by school learners and teachers, there is need to fast track the promotion of females in positions of power and influence such as of school principals.