Exploring The Cultural Dynamics on Gendered Leadership in Eswatini’s Tertiary Institutions

This research explored the cultural dynamics that impact gendered leadership in three Eswatini higher education institutions. The main objective was to explore how cultural norms impact the leadership experiences and approaches of both male and female leaders. Through focus groups and in-depth one-on-one interviews, the study involved 24 leaders (12 men and 12 women) who were purposely selected. The study used a qualitative research approach and a narrative inquiry design. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The results show that cultural norms and long-standing gender stereotypes have a big influence on leadership styles. While men are expected to be assertive and decisive, women are frequently under pressure to take a collaborative approach. Implementing educational reforms and mentorship programs aimed at challenging cultural norms and establishing an inclusive atmosphere that supports gender parity in leadership are among the recommendations made. This study adds to the broader discourse of women's leadership in traditionally patriarchal settings.