EFFECTIVENSS AND CHALLENGES OF WOMEN LEADERS AT ADDIS ABABA CITY ADMINISTRATION SECTORAL BUREAUS

Abstract

The major purpose of this research paper is to assess the effectiveness and challenges of women leaders at Addis Ababa sector bureaus. Further it attempts to identify major problem areas in relation to women challenges. The analysis was conducted based on a descriptive survey research method applied to employees and women managers with the main focus placed to respondents whose impression reflects about women leaders. The sample was selected using purposive random sampling techniques, and the tools used were structured questionnaires and interview. Questionnaires were distributed to 48 random subordinates and all available 14 managers. Both primary and secondary data was used in the study. The main findings of the research are the following: Women leaders’ lacks skill, lack of confidence, lack of target strategies and inconsistency, institutional and individual discrimination, lack of training in leader career development in the sector bureauand family and other social responsibilities. This can be revealed by minimizing challenges that come from the subordinates in the bureaus who failed to believe women leaders’ capability. Top managers should equally treat men and women leaders, attitude should be changed by the low acceptance of women position by all employees in the bureaus. Therefore, it can be concluded that, the Addis Ababa Sector Bureaus should focus on improving women leaders’ career by arranging and developing training to upgrade women leaders’ capabilities. Recognition and acknowledgement to women leaders at all levels is required in order to minimize challenges and to build confidence of women leadership at Addis Ababa Sector Bureaus and nationwide awareness raising programs and sensitization programs on women empowerment should be put in place to bring change in the society at large.