The experiences of female headteachers of boys’ senior high schools in Ghana

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of the only three female headteachers leading boys’ senior high schools (SHS) in Ghana to understand the uniqueness of their career journeys, on-the-job experiences and the leadership strategies. Qualitative phenomenological approach was used for the study. The three women were interviewed multiple times over a period of five months between November 2020 and March 2021. The data were inductively and deductively analysed to identify themes that help to tell their story. The results of this study show that early exposure to role models and socialisation into the power of positive thinking at the family, school and societal levels imprint values that inspired the participants to top leadership positions and the strategies they deployed – blending of motherliness and professionalism, networking and ethical leadership. The female headteachers are bridge builders and transformational leaders who are suitable for leadership in the twenty-first century. This study identifies several implications for female headteachership including: initial preparation for aspirants of school leadership positions, ongoing professional development, and support of female school leaders. The Ministry of Education should provide women with more headteachership or leadership opportunities in schools.

The state of the global education crisis: a path to recovery

“…136,137,138 In Ghana, household phone surveys revealed that the wealthiest families were nearly ten times more likely to have hired private tutors than the poorest families. 139 In Senegal, increases in private tutoring were also concentrated among the richest households. 140 Additionally, parents took initiative to seek out additional educational resources for their child.…”