A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for award of the Degree of Master of Leadership and Management (MLM) of Mzumbe University
This study aimed at examining factors that affect women participation in leadership and managerial positions in public institutions in Temeke Municipality. The main objective of the study was to determine factors that affect women participation in managerial and leadership positions in Tanzania. The study employed descriptive exploratory design. Three sampling techniques namely, purposive, stratified and convenient sampling techniques were used to obtain the sample for the study. The primary data were collected from public institutions through interview and focus group discussions.
The findings show that level of women participation in the decision making positions such as leadership and managerial positions is not satisfactory in many of the departments including the municipal council office, public primary and secondary schools, hospitals and in a political representation for both MPs and Ward Councilors. Furthermore, lack of education, overburden with domestic responsibilities, and poor institutional arrangement are among the factors perceived to have blocked the women penetration into top decision making positions. The number of initiatives such as early school girls’ leadership initiations and promotion of further education for women are promoted by the municipal council to combat the problem.
Based on the findings, the study recommended that there should be a community mentorship at family level to raise children with mentality of equality, inspiring young girls by inviting notable female leaders to address the students, women to be encouraged and being given chance for higher degrees and frequent leadership trainings to young women in order to build their capacity.