In Guyana, a developing nation in South America, traditional gender norms significantly influence societal roles and expectations for both women and men. These norms often position men as primary decision-makers and breadwinners, while women are frequently relegated to supportive roles. Despite legal frameworks promoting gender equality, the impact of these norms on women’s experiences in the workplace in Guyana, especially in leadership positions, remains underexplored. This study investigates the experiences of women in leadership roles within Guyana’s education sector. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven women in leadership roles - three from universities and four from high schools - a phenomenological approach was employed to explore their lived experiences. Analysis revealed three key themes: First, participants faced significant barriers to leadership due to cultural beliefs associating leadership with masculinity. Many expressed that societal perceptions, which view women as overly emotional and unsuitable for leadership, reinforce the expectation that women should prioritize family over career, hindering professional advancement. Second, female leaders reported experiencing conflict and undermining from male colleagues, who often dismissed their contributions, further entrenching the belief that leadership is a male-dominated space. Third, resilience emerged as a crucial theme, with participants emphasizing the role of familial support in challenging stereotypes and navigating their leadership journeys. This study underscores the need for systemic changes to address gender disparities in leadership within Guyana’s education sector, creating an environment where women’s contributions are valued and recognized.

Authors:
Jimmy Naipaul, International Executive School, France
Tejroi Naipaul, International Executive School, France
Zina Kyriakou, International Executive School, France

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Jimmy Naipaul, PhD, MSc.
Head of Academic and Institutional Research
International Executive School
Strasbourg, France.

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