ABSTRACT
This chapter focused on exploring the experience of leadership women at the departments of social work in four Palestinian universities. A qualitative approach was used through semi-structured interviews with women who had leadership experience (N = 7). Using feminist social work and feminist leadership perspectives, the findings revealed that some women were able to reach senior management positions because of their insistence on obtaining higher degrees, and their enthusiasm to participate in change and development. The findings also showed that the main style of leadership is consistent with transformational leadership, which is participatory and cooperative, but the discussion about inequality in the hierarchical structure and power relationships was almost missing. In addition, the findings indicated that there have been changes in people’s beliefs about women’s roles, but the stereotypical view of women is still influential. Moreover, participants pointed out that differences in leadership style were not related to being women or men, but rather were based on a person’s beliefs and attitudes toward leadership and women’s roles. Implications of the study emphasized the importance of promoting supportive policies and diverse opportunities for women, as well as accountability policies.
