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Doing Gender, Doing Leadership. A Phenomenological Study of Women in Leadership Positions in Kigali, Rwanda

Wlodarczyk, Karolina LU (2013) MIDM71 20131
LUMID International Master programme in applied International Development and Management
Abstract
Rwanda is often used as a showcase for promoting gender equality in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. As a result of the progressive policies of the Rwandan government, women hold many high positions in the public and private sector and constitute the highest proportion in the world in a national parliament. However, there is evidence that patriarchal tendencies are still endemic in Rwandan society. Taking into consideration this unique context, the purpose of this study was to investigate how women in leadership positions in Kigali locate themselves as women and leaders and experience performing multiple roles in their private and professional lives. The theory of doing gender was employed in order to better understand this phenomenon.... (More)
Rwanda is often used as a showcase for promoting gender equality in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. As a result of the progressive policies of the Rwandan government, women hold many high positions in the public and private sector and constitute the highest proportion in the world in a national parliament. However, there is evidence that patriarchal tendencies are still endemic in Rwandan society. Taking into consideration this unique context, the purpose of this study was to investigate how women in leadership positions in Kigali locate themselves as women and leaders and experience performing multiple roles in their private and professional lives. The theory of doing gender was employed in order to better understand this phenomenon. The study utilised phenomenological methodology, focusing on the women’s experiences and perceptions. The results painted an image of a Rwandan woman leader as being extremely committed, strong, and determined to overcome the persisting bias against women in leadership positions. Moreover, the study showed that the participants find it incredibly challenging to manage their roles as career professionals and a housewives, which contributes to an ever-present feeling of guilt for not devoting enough attention to their families. (Less)
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author
Wlodarczyk, Karolina LU
supervisor
organization
course
MIDM71 20131
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
language
English
id
3798889
date added to LUP
2013-12-04 09:13:47
date last changed
2013-12-04 09:13:47
@misc{3798889,
  abstract     = {{Rwanda is often used as a showcase for promoting gender equality in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. As a result of the progressive policies of the Rwandan government, women hold many high positions in the public and private sector and constitute the highest proportion in the world in a national parliament. However, there is evidence that patriarchal tendencies are still endemic in Rwandan society. Taking into consideration this unique context, the purpose of this study was to investigate how women in leadership positions in Kigali locate themselves as women and leaders and experience performing multiple roles in their private and professional lives. The theory of doing gender was employed in order to better understand this phenomenon. The study utilised phenomenological methodology, focusing on the women’s experiences and perceptions. The results painted an image of a Rwandan woman leader as being extremely committed, strong, and determined to overcome the persisting bias against women in leadership positions. Moreover, the study showed that the participants find it incredibly challenging to manage their roles as career professionals and a housewives, which contributes to an ever-present feeling of guilt for not devoting enough attention to their families.}},
  author       = {{Wlodarczyk, Karolina}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Doing Gender, Doing Leadership. A Phenomenological Study of Women in Leadership Positions in Kigali, Rwanda}},
  year         = {{2013}},
}