Bibliometric Analysis of Women's Leadership in African Universities During Disruptive Times
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26437/ajar.v11i2.1049Keywords:
Bibliometric. higher education. leadership. women. Sub-Sahara AfricaAbstract
Purpose: The higher education landscape across Africa has experienced significant disruptions in recent years due to technological advancements, globalisation, socio-political changes, and the global pandemic. Amidst these changes, an increasing number of women have taken on leadership roles in universities, shaping the direction of these institutions. This bibliometric study aims to quantitatively analyse the research output and impact of scholarly works focusing on women leading African universities during this era of disruption.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The article examines 1917 publications using rigorous bibliometric techniques to analyse relevant publications indexed in major academic databases from 2010 to 2023. Key bibliometric indicators, including publication trends, influential authors, citation patterns, and thematic clusters, were analysed to reveal this research domain's current state and evolution.
Research Limitation: This review's drawback is the intrinsic characteristic of the bibliometric analysis, which emphasises quantitative metrics and may not completely encompass the profound qualitative understanding of the influence of scholarly works centred on women leading African institutions during this period of upheaval.
Findings: The results indicate a growing focus on women leading African universities during disruption. They highlight key contributors, provide a comprehensive overview of central themes and collaborative patterns, and identify areas where further research is needed.
Practical Implications: By shedding light on the contributions of women leaders in guiding African universities through challenging times, this study aims to inform policies and practices that promote inclusive and equitable leadership in higher education institutions.
Social Implications: This research can underline the broader social and economic benefits of gender diversity in leadership. It can demonstrate how inclusive leadership practices contribute to more robust and resilient educational systems, which are essential for the socio-economic development of African countries.
Originality and Value: The findings will contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable development goals, particularly quality education and gender equality.
References
Acker, S., Ylijoki, O. H., & McGinn, M. K. (Eds.). (2024). The Social Production of Research: Perspectives on Funding and Gender. Taylor & Francis.
Airini, Collings, S., Conner, L., McPherson, K., Midson, B., & Wilson, C. (2011). Learning to be leaders in higher education: What helps or hinders women’s advancement as leaders in universities. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 39(1), 44-62.
Bista, K., Sharma, S., & Raby, R. L. (Eds.). (2019). Higher education in Nepal: Policies and perspectives. Routledge.
Hlatshwayo, L. P., Mashaba, B., Mathuloe, O., & Yende, S. J. (2022). Being a Woman is not a Barrier to Achieving Successful Leadership in South African Higher Education. African Journal of Gender, Society & Development, 11(4), 7.
Hozien, W. (2024). Strategies and Insights for Women Leaders in Higher Education: A Guide to Driving Positive Transformation. Taylor & Francis.
Johnson, D. P. (2019). An Examination of the Professional Experiences and Career Advancement Perceptions of Black Women in Higher Education (Doctoral dissertation, University of South Alabama).
Onyinah, O., & Koduah, A. (2024). Responding to The Uninvited Visitor: COVID-19 Pandemic and the Lessons, It Has Taught Us. African Books Collective.
Lasha’Hubbard, L. D. (2024). Shattering the Mask: Unveiling the Destructive Force of Misogynoir. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Retrieved from UMSL.edu
Mabokela, R. O. (2003). "Donkeys of the University": Organizational culture and its impact on South African women administrators. Higher Education, 46(2), 129-145. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024768320178
Makalanga, L. B., Kilonzo, R. G., & Nguyahambi, A. M. (2022). Women political leaders’ participation in local decision-making structures in Tanzania. African Journal of Applied Research, 8(2), 68-82.
Moodly, A., & Toni, N. M. (2017a). Accessing higher education leadership: Towards a framework for women's professional development. South African Journal of Higher Education, 31(3), 138-153. https://doi.org/10.20853/31-3-917
Moodly A. & N. Toni. (2017b). “Re-imagining higher education leadership – in conversation with South African female deputy vice-chancellors.” Perspectives in Education 35(2): 155‒167.
Moodly, A. L. (2021). Divergence of perspectives on women and higher education leadership? In conversation with men in leadership. South African Journal of Higher Education, 35(5), 184-203.
Moultrie, A., & De La Rey, C. (2003). South African women leaders in higher education: Professional development needs in a changing context. McGill Journal of Education, 38(3), 407–420.
Ramohai, J., & Marumo, K. M. K. (2016). Women in senior positions in South African higher education: A reflection on voice and agency. Alternation Journal, 23(1), 135-157.
Reardon, B. (2024) Azusa reimagined: a radical vision of religious and democratic belonging, Political Theology, 25:4, 409-412, DOI: 10.1080/1462317X.2024.2313896
Shinbrot, X. A., Wilkins, K., Gretzel, U., & Bowser, G. (2019). Unlocking women’s sustainability leadership potential: Perceptions of contributions and challenges for women in sustainable development. World Development, 119, 120-132.
Zupic, I., & Čater, T. (2015). Bibliometric methods in management and organization. Organizational Research Methods, 18(3), 429-472. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428114562629.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2025 AFRICAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
By submitting and publishing your articles in the African Journal of Applied Research, you agree to transfer the copyright of the Article from the authors to the Journal ( African Journal of Applied Research).