Lived experiences of female academic staff in leadership positions at Haramaya University

The purpose of the study was to explore lived experiences of women in academic leadership positions at Haramaya University. A transcendental phenomenological approach was used. A total of five academic female leaders were selected using purposive sampling technique. An in-depth interview was employed to collect data and analyzed using Moustakas (1994) modification of the Van Kaam method.The findings revealed that perfection is sought by female leaders while leading in a male-dominated workplace. The female academic leaders expressed how staff members feel about being led by a female leader, dividing them into two groups: the optimist and the gender-stereotyped group. The accommodation problem of the Day-care and the Model School of Haramaya University were expressed as sources of challenge for female leaders in balancing work and family life. Haramaya University's system constraints and location disadvantage were expressed as organizational challenges. It is recommended that the University establishes a committee that assesses and revises the senate legislation and other regulations that stand against female leaders' advancement and considers seriously the day-care service provision. In addition, women aspiring to assume leadership positions should receive training to bridge the gender gap and promote women in academic leadership positions.