International Journal of Gender & Women's Studies

Mentoring for Female Academics in the 21st Century: A Case Study of a South African University
Bellita Banda Chitsamatanga, S. Rembe, J. Shumba

Abstract
This paper investigated the female academics‟ perceptions on mentoring in universities and how it can promote their career trajectory. The study adopted the qualitative methodology. Using evidence collected from a case study of a South African university and a sample size of purposively selected five senior female academics and a focus group of five junior female academics were used for the study. The research solicited data through interviews and document analysis. The results revealed that mentoring is there in universities theoretically but the practical concept appears to be surrounded by grey areas. There is a general lack of interest, knowledge and ignorance from the academics on mentoring and networking. Moreover, gender still influences the female academics perceptions on mentoring and networking in universities and a dearth of female role models promoted disintegration, inaccessibility and egoism within universities. The study concluded that mentoring of female academics should be formalised and on-going and that universities must look beyond gender on mentoring issues.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijgws.v6n1a5