LEADERSHIP, GENDER, AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: Perceptions and Challenges of Female Campus Directors in a Higher Education Institution

Percepções e Desafios de Diretoras em uma Instituição de Ensino Superior

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the perceptions and challenges faced by three women who served as campus directors at a federal higher education institution, examining how gender issues, the organizational environment, and social expectations impacted the exercise of leadership. A qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews to collect the data necessary for analysis, complemented by a systematic literature review. The main findings reveal that, although motivations for leadership are diverse, the interviewees tend to adopt collaborative and democratic leadership styles, perceiving sensitivity and a broad perspective as important female contributions. However, they persistently face gender biases, including the devaluation of their leadership styles, the “double burden” of professional and personal responsibilities, and subtle forms of discrimination. The study highlights the importance of support networks and emotional self-management as strategies to cope with these challenges, emphasizing the absence of formal institutional policies to support women’s advancement, despite individual recognition. It is concluded that female presence in managerial positions is crucial for cultural transformation and the promotion of gender equity in public administration.