Women’s Empowerment from the Perspective of Female Omani Academic Leaders

Abstract

A substantial gender gap exists globally in terms of the representation of women in leadership roles. This situation is apparent in the Gulf State of Oman, despite a notable increase in the number of women being appointed to critical policymaking positions within government institutions in the last two decades. However, women remain relatively poorly represented in positions of authority and leadership, compared with their male counterparts. This includes leadership positions within higher education (HE) organizations. This chapter examines the preliminary findings of a broader qualitative study exploring the success of 13 female faculty members employed in the upper strata of HE leadership in Oman. It considers educational policy and administration and examines organizational and structural changes and individuals' growth and development. The findings