WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

The involvement of women in university governance has become a crucial marker of progress toward inclusive and equitable leadership in higher education. Despite global advances in gender equality, the participation of women in decision-making positions within universities remains disproportionately...

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Main Authors: Anda Usman Obansa, Fatima Abubakar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Federal University Wukari 2022-12-01
Series:International Studies Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://wissjournals.com.ng/index.php/wiss/article/view/639
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author Anda Usman Obansa
Fatima Abubakar
author_facet Anda Usman Obansa
Fatima Abubakar
author_sort Anda Usman Obansa
collection DOAJ
description The involvement of women in university governance has become a crucial marker of progress toward inclusive and equitable leadership in higher education. Despite global advances in gender equality, the participation of women in decision-making positions within universities remains disproportionately low. This paper examines the extent, challenges, and implications of women's involvement in university governance, with a particular focus on inclusive leadership practices. Using a combination of literature review and empirical analysis, the study highlights how institutional cultures, gender bias, policy gaps, and leadership stereotypes have historically limited women’s roles in academic governance. It also explores the transformative potential of women leaders in promoting participatory decision-making, ethical administration, and gender-responsive policies in universities. The paper argues that inclusive leadership defined by diversity, collaboration, and equity is enriched when women are actively engaged in governance structures such as university senates, councils, and management boards. Findings suggest that increasing female representation enhances not only gender justice but also the effectiveness and responsiveness of university governance. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy reforms, mentorship programmes, and institutional frameworks that support gender-balanced leadership. These measures are essential for creating inclusive academic environments where both men and women can contribute meaningfully to institutional development and innovation.
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spelling doaj-art-a78339008c95461e96d8eb2b9c1a64f02025-08-20T03:03:57ZengFederal University WukariInternational Studies Journal2756-46492022-12-0162WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIPAnda Usman Obansa0Fatima Abubakar 1Department of Sociology, Federal University Lokoja—NigeriaDepartment of Sociology, Federal University Lokoja—Nigeria The involvement of women in university governance has become a crucial marker of progress toward inclusive and equitable leadership in higher education. Despite global advances in gender equality, the participation of women in decision-making positions within universities remains disproportionately low. This paper examines the extent, challenges, and implications of women's involvement in university governance, with a particular focus on inclusive leadership practices. Using a combination of literature review and empirical analysis, the study highlights how institutional cultures, gender bias, policy gaps, and leadership stereotypes have historically limited women’s roles in academic governance. It also explores the transformative potential of women leaders in promoting participatory decision-making, ethical administration, and gender-responsive policies in universities. The paper argues that inclusive leadership defined by diversity, collaboration, and equity is enriched when women are actively engaged in governance structures such as university senates, councils, and management boards. Findings suggest that increasing female representation enhances not only gender justice but also the effectiveness and responsiveness of university governance. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy reforms, mentorship programmes, and institutional frameworks that support gender-balanced leadership. These measures are essential for creating inclusive academic environments where both men and women can contribute meaningfully to institutional development and innovation. https://wissjournals.com.ng/index.php/wiss/article/view/639University governanceWomen leadershipInclusive leadershipGender equityHigher education
spellingShingle Anda Usman Obansa
Fatima Abubakar
WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
International Studies Journal
University governance
Women leadership
Inclusive leadership
Gender equity
Higher education
title WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
title_full WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
title_fullStr WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
title_full_unstemmed WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
title_short WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
title_sort women involvement in university governance and inclusive leadership
topic University governance
Women leadership
Inclusive leadership
Gender equity
Higher education
url https://wissjournals.com.ng/index.php/wiss/article/view/639
work_keys_str_mv AT andausmanobansa womeninvolvementinuniversitygovernanceandinclusiveleadership
AT fatimaabubakar womeninvolvementinuniversitygovernanceandinclusiveleadership