Promoting women’s role in higher public leadership positions in Ethiopia: Challenges and way outs

Zeynie Chekol
Department of Civics and Ethical Studies at the College of Social Science and Humanities Debre Berhan University

Hanna Tegegn
Center for Gender Studies in the College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University

Flimon Hadaro
Center for Gender Studies in the College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University

Abstract

Ensuring gender equality in the higher public leadership positions is critical for flourishing good governance, democracy, peace, and many other aspects of development. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the challenges of women's advancement into federal higher decision-making positions in Ethiopia, and it also focused on possible ways to nurture women's representation in leadership positions. The study utilized a qualitative research approach with an exploratory research design. Besides, the study mainly relied on primary data sources, notably on in-depth and Key Informant Interviews (KII). A total of 19 purposively selected research participants (of which, 6 KII and 13 in-depth interview participants) were involved to enrich the study findings. Thematic and narrative data analysis techniques were utilized to discuss and analyze the findings of the study. The study's findings revealed that different forms of socio-cultural, institutional, women’s personal, and workplace barriers constrain women’s ascendance to higher leadership positions in Ethiopia. The study further revealed the interconnectedness of each woman's hurdles, highlighting socio-cultural barriers as the fundamental barrier that profoundly limits women’s aspiration to higher decision-making positions. Given this, a collaborative effort of important stakeholders is critical to resolving the issue of promoting women to positions they merit. Furthermore, the findings highlight policy reforms and strong institutional machinery to build an inclusive environment that fosters women's engagement in public leadership roles.

Keywords: Gender equality, Women, higher leadership positions, Challenges, Way outs, Ethiopia