Women into educational leadership and management: international differences?

The under‐representation of women in positions of senior management within educational institutions continues to be a matter of some concern, particularly as the teaching force is largely dominated, nationally and internationally, by women. Studies on gender and leadership have revealed a number of barriers to women seeking educational leadership and management positions. This paper is based on narratives drawn from women aspiring to leadership and management in different educational contexts, from very different parts of the world. The study examines the “glass ceilings” and “glass walls”; that is, horizontal and vertical barriers faced by each of the women within their cultures and environments.