Challenges Encountering the Participation of Women in Senior Administrative Status in Higher Education

In recent decades, the number of women participating in higher education has dramatically increased. Women have been participating mainly as students, faculty members, and support staff at higher educational institutions. Research shows that, the number of women is not fairly proportioned in the top administrative positions as compared to men. In addition, women who have the aspiration for administrative positions encounter numerous challenges. On the other hand, the potentiality of this type of human resource is staying futile in administrative positions of higher education. The paper is based on a meta-analysis study of literature involving external and internal factors related to women’s administrative promotion. According to literature review three major factors have emerged: cultural, organizational, and individual factors. By considering the factors, university developers and managers are able to make strategic decisions in order to enhance the participation of women for senior administrative positions.