ADMINISTRATION EXPERIENCES OF FEMALE ADMINISTRATORS, HINDRANCES TO LEADERSHIP POSITION AND THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WAYS OF BREAKING THE PERPETUAL GLASS CEILING

Abstract

The 2022 Current Population Survey reported that 67.9% of men aged 25 and older were employed, compared with 55.4% of women. Despite women’s educational achievements, they remain underrepresented in senior administrative positions. This paper examines female administrators’ experiences and the challenges they face in seeking leadership roles in business, politics and education, with particular attention to the persistent “glass ceiling.” In Nigeria, no woman has been elected president, and women remain underrepresented in the highest levels of leadership. Similar disparities are evident in education: women constitute a large proportion of the teaching workforce and enrolment in teacher-preparation programmes, yet remain underrepresented as secondary-school principals. Barriers to women’s advancement include societal and cultural expectations, organisational practices, personal and systemic factors, internalised perceptions and global influences. The paper recommends mentorship programmes, leadership training, regular policy reviews, expanded networking opportunities, and measures to address implicit bias. It also calls for changing gender-role perceptions that limit women’s participation in educational leadership.