An interaction of patriarchy and female leadership: A synthesis of literature on women leadership in Eswatini

Abstract

This paper presents results of a systematic research synthesis of 23 studies on female leadership in Eswatini. The review aimed to present conclusions drawn from synthesising findings from studies on women's participation in leadership in Eswatini. Systematic methods were used in the review to identify the 23 research studies focusing on female leadership across sectors in Eswatini. Since the reviewed studies were qualitative, research synthesis methods were used, and three main themes were identified across the excavated studies. The three main themes are: (1) gender inequality, (2) challenges for women leadership, and (3) women empowerment. Sub‐themes relating to the main themes also emerged. Challenges highlighted were categorised into two: those inhibiting access to leadership for women, and those affecting women who are already in leadership. Forms of women empowerment discussed in the studies are: in‐service training, networking and mentoring. The analysis contributed to knowledge on female leadership in Eswatini by highlighting contributions and limitations of these studies, and further provides a base for future conceptual analysis.Context and implicationsRationale for the studyThe main purpose for undertaking the synthesis of literature on women leadership in Eswatini was to add a voice in the leadership discourse using Eswatini's context.Why the new findings matterThe review on women leadership in Eswatini contributes to the knowledge on African women leadership, and further act as a signpost for future research.Implications for practionersThe synthesis revealed the dearth of literature on female leadership in Eswatini, thus highlighting the need for scholars and feminist researchers to prioritise documenting the voices of women leaders that remains undocumented, so that upcoming young leaders can learn from the great works done by those who have walked uncharted paths before them.